“Hands Off!” demonstrations protest Trump, Musk across U.S.
Opponents of President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk gathered in cities across the U.S. on Saturday to protest the administration’s policies on government downsizing, the economy, human rights, and other issues.
More than 1,200 “Hands Off!” demonstrations were organized by over 150 groups, including civil rights organizations, labor unions, LGBTQ+ advocates, veterans, and elections activists. These protests took place at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., state capitols, and various other locations in all 50 states.
Understanding the “Hands Off” Movement
Protesters are voicing their opposition to the Trump administration’s decisions to terminate federal employees, close Social Security Administration offices, dismantle entire agencies, deport immigrants, reduce protections for transgender individuals, and cut federal funding for health programs.
Elon Musk, a Trump advisor and the owner of Tesla, SpaceX, and the social media platform X, has been instrumental in the government downsizing efforts as the head of the newly established Department of Government Efficiency. Musk claims to be saving taxpayers billions of dollars through these initiatives.
During the Washington protest, Paul Osadebe, a lawyer at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and a labor union steward, criticized Trump, Musk, and other administration members for undervaluing the contributions of federal employees in establishing “a foundation of economic security and empowerment for working individuals.”
“Billionaires and oligarchs do not prioritize anything except profit and power, showing little regard for individuals, communities, or their well-being,” he stated. “It is evident that they are willing to harm and destroy anyone to achieve their objectives.”
“Hands Off” Protests Nationwide
Over 1,200 “Hands Off” protests are scheduled in all 50 states according to mobilize.us, an online platform for event organization.
In Massachusetts, crowds gathered on Boston Common with signs advocating for the protection of democracy, Social Security, and diversity and inclusion.
In New York City, thousands marched in midtown Manhattan. CBS Chicago reported a significant turnout of protesters in Daley Plaza downtown and at the Illinois capital in Springfield.
In Ohio, hundreds rallied at the Statehouse in Columbus despite the rainy weather. One attendee, Roger Broom, expressed his disillusionment with Trump, shifting from being a Reagan Republican to criticizing the current administration for causing division in the country.
In Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, near Trump’s golf course in Jupiter, demonstrators lined PGA Drive, urging passing cars to honk and chanting anti-Trump slogans. Archer Moran from Port St. Lucie emphasized the importance of protecting Social Security and criticized the administration’s policies.
The White House responded to the protests by affirming President Trump’s commitment to safeguarding Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries. They also criticized the Democrats’ approach of extending these benefits to illegal immigrants.
While opposition movements against Trump and Musk have occurred since their tenure began, organizers anticipate Saturday’s demonstrations to be the largest since Trump’s re-election in January.
