Iowa city removes tarp covering mural ahead of Trump rally

The city stated it did not authorize the placement of the tarp on the exterior of the Five Flags Civic Center, a city-owned building. The mural, titled “Solidarity” and created by artist Shelby Fry, gained significant attention on social media Saturday, October 31, the day before Trump’s scheduled appearance.

According to a city statement, the private management company, Oak View Group, which operates the center, has removed the tarp following the city’s order. The city emphasized that the facility rental agreement for the event does not grant permission to alter the building’s exterior.

Trump’s rally in Dubuque marks his second appearance in Iowa leading up to the midterm elections on Tuesday, November 3. He previously held a rally in Sioux City on October 22.

Oak View Group, which also manages facilities in Des Moines, reportedly stated that Trump’s advance team was responsible for the tarp’s placement, intending to display branding and a U.S. flag.

The mural, measuring 105 feet by 28 feet, depicts ten raised fists representing diverse groups and spells out the word “SOLIDARITY.” It incorporates symbols of inclusivity, including a Pride rainbow and emblems for disability rights and mental health.

Fry created the mural in 2020 with the assistance of 80 volunteers. It was inspired by protests following the death of George Floyd in 2020. Former Dubuque Mayor Roy D. Buol stated in 2020 that the mural acknowledged the city’s history of racism and the community’s responsibility to promote equity.

Dubuque has previously experienced incidents of racial intolerance, including cross burnings in the late 1980s and early 1990s related to diversity initiatives.