Leaders discuss ‘targets on the back of so many Philadelphians' amid Trump actions

Philadelphia leadership is looking to prepare for policy changes being instituted by Republican President Donald Trump by holding a hearing to discuss changes and reactions.

Councilmember At-Large Rue Landau hosted a Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, “hearing discussing the City of Philadelphia’s preparedness to protect the civil rights of marginalized communities in response to the impending Trump presidency,” the Democrat’s office said.

The hearing included representatives from nonprofits, advocacy groups, Mayor Cherelle Parker’s office, the district attorney’s office and the School District of Philadelphia.

The goal was to “explore Philadelphia’s readiness and commitment to protecting immigrant, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized communities in preparation for the impending Trump administration,” Landau’s office said ahead of the hearing. “City Council, the mayoral administration, and community partners will engage in dialogue to further the rights, protections, and necessary next steps to ensuring that Philadelphia remains a welcoming city for all.”

Landau is the first openly LGBTQ+ member of Philadelphia City Council, according to her council profile.

Landau spoke about the need for the hearing after Trump signed executive orders targeting immigration policies, birthright citizenship, transgender rights, federal diversity, equity and inclusion staff and dozens of other items.

“This is a constant moving machine now,” Landau told reporters. “He’s already done actions — minutes after being sworn-in — that have already put the targets of the back of so many Philadelphians.”

“But today’s hearing is really about, um, really extracting what do we have, laying the foundation of what exists now and what we need to be ready for in the future,” Landau said.

Something that Landau and other city leaders clarified ahead of the hearing is that Philly is a welcoming city rather than a sanctuary city. Legal experts that work with the city are laying out plans to follow federal law, while protecting vulnerable groups.

Public comment is welcomed, organizers said.