Rally in Grand Marais draws hundreds to protest Trump, Musk

Kirsten Wisniewski | April 6, 2025

Hundreds of community members gathered at the Cook County Courthouse on Saturday, April 5, for a rally organized locally by Arrowhead Indivisible. The rally was part of a nationwide day of rallies and protests, an effort referred to as the Hands Off! National Day of Action.

In Grand Marais, rally-goers assembled at the courthouse beginning at noon. Many people carried signs that criticized President Donald Trump, billionaire Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and the sweeping federal changes the two have implemented since Trump’s inauguration in January. Attendees ranged in age, including some families with children and dogs.

At the courthouse, some community members spoke on various concerns. The topics addressed included threats to democracy, continued access to health care, support for veterans, protection of LGBTQ-identifying people, preservation of the boundary waters, and the U.S.’s international relationships. Similarly, signs held by protesters varied, reflecting the wide range of concerns felt by critics of Trump and Musk.

“I do not like that this is how our democracy is potentially going to die,” Laura Brown, one of the attendees, told WTIP. “Daily life is getting more difficult for every day working people and getting easier for the ultra-wealthy.”

Pat Campanaro, one of the event’s organizers told WTIP, “We are very excited to be part of this movement. It’s very important that across the United States, people with similar thoughts as us, who want to save democracy, get together and show our support.”

After the speeches at the courthouse, the crowd marched down 5th Ave and along Highway 61 to Harbor Park, where several more community members addressed the rally. The organizers also lead the attendees in song.

A small group of counter-protesters held signs on the sidewalk near Harbor Park, flying an American flag and holding a sign supporting the Department of Government Efficiency, the controversial government agency headed by Musk. While some individuals from each group spoke to each other, it appeared to remain civil.

While the Hands Off! protests were organized around fear and uncertainty related to layoffs, policy changes, and spending cuts, at the rally in Grand Marais, the attendees were encouraged to remain hopeful.

In her remarks to the crowd, Olya Wright said, “I have to believe that we will weather this storm together and emerge to build a better world. I believe, because I have seen and felt the intangible power of unity and determination – a power that is visible in the crowds gathered all across the U.S. today and a power that resides within each and every one of you.”