Politics in a Nutshell

Dow drops 1,000 points yesterday as Trump renews criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell - CBS News

Trump’s tariff war continues to hurt the U.S. economy, with the stock market falling even further on Monday. Trade between the U.S. and the rest of the world has become more expensive and more uncertain, with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell stating that tariffs could raise inflation and limit growth domestically. Of course, Donald Trump has publicly attacked Powell, in a blatant attempt to pin the worsening crisis on the Chair.

Harvard funding: Trump administration demands reports of antisemitism and anti-Muslim bias amid fresh $1 billion threat | CNN

Trump continues to target Harvard in an attempt to force the university to bend to his will. His administration is threatening to cancel even more government grants and contracts– this new batch focusing on medical research. That’s right, you heard it folks. In order to force Harvard to give the White House more control over its faculty and policies, Trump is threatening to defund medical research into things like cancer and genetic diseases.

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Vatican says

Pope Francis passed away this Monday. He leaves behind only two things: a world that will miss him, and a world that will try its best to carry on his legacy without him.

Federal grant cuts weigh on museums, cultural nonprofits

Federal budget cuts are impacting some of Iowa’s beloved museums and tourist draws like the Science Center of Iowa, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium in Dubuque, BRAVO Des Moines, and more. These places attract crowds of people to our state, grow our economy, and make Iowa a better place to live.

Representatives on the Record

Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (202) 225-6576

Does Rep. Miller-Meeks support Trump’s tariff war? Does she believe that Congress should take back control of the tariff policies they allowed Trump to change? What about the Iowa farmers and businesses hurt by the tariffs? What is she doing to protect Iowa in this time of crisis?

Does Rep. Miller-Meeks support federal budget cuts that are impacting Iowa’s tourist destinations that help grow Iowa’s economy and attract tourists to our state?

Representative Ashley Hinson (202) 225-2911

Does Rep. Hinson support Trump’s tariff war? Does she believe that Congress should take back control of the tariff policies they allowed Trump to change? What about the Iowa farmers and businesses hurt by the tariffs? What is she doing to protect Iowa in this time of crisis?

Does Rep. Hinson support federal budget cuts that are impacting Iowa’s tourist destinations that help grow Iowa’s economy and attract tourists to our state?

Representative Zach Nunn (515) 400-8180

Does Rep. Nunn support Trump’s tariff war? Does he believe that Congress should take back control of the tariff policies they allowed Trump to change? What about the Iowa farmers and businesses hurt by the tariffs? What is he doing to protect Iowa in this time of crisis?

Does Rep. Nunn support federal budget cuts that are impacting Iowa’s tourist destinations that help grow Iowa’s economy and attract tourists to our state?

Representative Randy Feenstra (712) 224-4692

Does Rep. Nunn support Trump’s tariff war? Does he believe that Congress should take back control of the tariff policies they allowed Trump to change? What about the Iowa farmers and businesses hurt by the tariffs? What is he doing to protect Iowa in this time of crisis?

Does Rep. Feenstra support federal budget cuts that are impacting Iowa’s tourist destinations that help grow Iowa’s economy and attract tourists to our state?

Take Action

Volunteer with the Iowa Democratic Party below. Help take our state and country back from the brink of Republican chaos.

Join the IDP at one of the many events being hosted in every corner of the state. See the full list of events by visiting iowademocrats.org and clicking the “Calendar” button in the top right corner.

Campaign 101: Run! Join a Team! Make a Difference!

When: Sat, April 26, 8:30am

Where: 529 E Main St, Ottumwa

Description: A Day of Learning for Women of Southern Iowa (and Beyond)

Presented by the Iowa Democratic Women’s Caucus

Have you considered running for an office or board, now or in the future, or just want to learn what’s involved? Are you interested in being on a campaign team? If the answer to any of these questions is Yes, this workshop is for you!

Women of southern Iowa (or beyond), come to Ottumwa on Saturday, April 26, to be inspired and learn from experienced campaigners and officeholders.

Suggested donation is $25. Donate via ActBlue (link is on registration form), or bring a check or cash to the event. RSVP/Advance Signup Required

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc51JfhJf87paHjxxiVTQlsYrs6nQNQXK38qbp8--tp0rHDag/viewform

Indivisible Dubuque County May Day Strong

When: Thurs, May 1, 4:00-6:00pm

Where: N Grandview and Dodge Street Overpasses, Dubuque

Description: Event hosted by Indivisible. We will be holding signs in solidarity on the overpasses to show support for May Day Actions. Bring large-lettered protests signs that support labor rights, unions, immigrants, fair housing, healthcare, and fair wages. We hope to fill both sides of the overpasses over Dodge Street/Highway 20 by Washington Middle School. Please note a core principle behind our May Day actions is a commitment to nonviolence in all we do.  

RSVP via Mobilize: Here

Note From the Chair

Hey folks! Rita Hart here.

The news is, well, the news. The state of affairs has been troubled since Trump took office, and if there’s one thing Trump is consistent at, it’s inconsistency. If you’re looking for a distraction in the face of this chaos, we here at IDP are announcing a photo contest that will take place over the next two weeks.

Submit your favorite photos of the great state of Iowa to [email protected]. The winners will be posted on our website and social media for the rest of 2025! The pictures can be of anything, your favorite coffee shop, your dog having fun at the park, golden ears of corn glowing in the rising sun, or anything at all! Iowa is a beautiful state. Let’s find its beauty and refresh our souls.

Hopefully, a breath of fresh air gives you the energy to attend Grassley’s town hall in Worth County on Wednesday, April 23rd. It runs from 8 to 9 a.m., and will be located in the Olson Community Room at 909 1st Avenue South Northwood. Ashley Hinson will also be hosting a town hall in Mason City on Thursday, April 24. It starts at 9 a.m. and will be held at the North Iowa Area Community College Auditorium at 500 College Drive. 

Both of these legislators have some difficult questions to answer, and we hope you’re there to ask them with us.

Our work continues,

Sincerely,

Rita Hart

IDP Chair