‘Hands Off!’ Protests Surge Nationwide as Thousands Criticize Trump and Musk

A synchronized day of activism mobilized close to 500,000 participants across more than 1,200 venues nationwide. Demonstrations unfolded in all 50 state capitals and key urban centers, including New York, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles.

Protests have been orchestrated amid rising concerns over the policies linked to Trump and the impact of Musk along with his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) on governmental decision-making processes.

A protester in Washington, DC, conveyed that the objective is to inspire collective action. This was one of approximately 1,200 demonstrations, marking the largest day of protest against Trump and Musk since they initiated efforts to transform the US government and broaden executive power.

Protester James Utt, 60, an executive assistant from Los Angeles, expressed his disbelief at Trump’s re-election and criticized the administration’s impact on the economy and government. Utt stated that these actions seem to benefit Trump, Elon Musk, and other billionaires.

The protester expressed strong opposition, stating, “It’s not about me or the residents of my neighborhood, but rather for all the billionaires.” They expressed satisfaction with the turnout, emphasizing the necessity of such a gathering. The protester urged more individuals to participate in efforts to remove Trump from office, describing his presidency as detrimental.

Kristen Messina of Santa Monica emphasized the significant implications for democracy, asserting the importance of taking a stand rather than passively allowing events to unfold.

Terry Klein, a retired biomedical scientist, expressed her disapproval of Trump’s policies during a rally, citing concerns spanning from immigration and cryptocurrency to recent tariffs and educational decisions.

Protesters took to the streets, brandishing placards that read “hands off our democracy” and “don’t trust Elon Musk,” while vocally chanting “hands off” during their march.

Demonstrators donned traditional Palestinian keffiyeh scarves while holding signs that read “Free Palestine.”

In the hours leading up to planned protests in the United States, an assembly of hundreds of anti-Trump Americans in European cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt, Paris, and London convened to express their dissent against Trump’s comprehensive overhaul of US foreign and domestic policies.

“It is quite concerning as the United States faces a pivotal moment,” expressed Rebecca, a French-American protester residing in Paris.

The “Hands Off!” rallies held across the United States on Saturday marked the most significant demonstrations since Trump assumed office again in January.

The protests, marked by a diverse array of concerns resonating with Americans nationwide, were prompted by contentious immigration policies, including the travel ban and heightened deportations, particularly affecting pro-Palestine college students. In addition to these issues, there was significant opposition to Trump’s administration’s rollback of environmental regulations, healthcare protections, and social welfare programs.

Protesters have raised alarms regarding Elon Musk’s increasing sway in political arenas, his perceived indifference towards employee rights and safety, and the possible consequences of his enterprises, including SpaceX and Tesla, on job market stability and the privatization of space exploration.

Trump, whose tariffs announcement this week caused significant turbulence in financial markets, spent the day in Florida. He engaged in a round of golf before heading back to his Mar-a-Lago residence.

Approximately four miles from Mar-a-Lago, a crowd exceeding 400 individuals assembled as motorists expressed their support by honking in favor of the demonstrators. Among the signs displayed was one stating, “Markets tank, Trump golfs.”

The White House has announced that Trump is scheduled to hit the golf course again on Sunday.