Thousands gather for “No Kings” rallies across Eastern Iowa

WATERLOO, Iowa (KCRG) - Protesting the direction of the country under President Donald Trump, people gathered Saturday in the nation’s capital and communities across the U.S. for “ No Kings ” demonstrations — what the president’s Republican Party is calling “Hate America” rallies.

This is the third mass mobilization since Trump’s return to the White House and comes against the backdrop of a government shutdown that has closed federal programs and services.

Thousands of people gathered in Lincoln Park in Waterloo on Saturday afternoon for a “No Kings” rally, in part organized by Insufferable Wenches of Iowa and Black Hawk County Democrats.

22 cities and communities across Eastern Iowa planned rallies for Saturday.

The rally in downtown Cedar Rapids included a donation drive for Iowa City Catholic Worker House, asking people to bring coffee, baby wipes, paper towels and other necessities.