On Saturday, April 5, 2025, hundreds of thousands of demonstrators protested against President Donald Trump and his administration across the United States, marking one of the largest mobilizations since Trump began his second term. The "Hands Off!" rallies were organized in over 1,000 cities, with nearly 400,000 people signing up to participate, according to the progressive organization Indivisible, which partnered with nearly 200 other groups to coordinate the event.
Protesters voiced their demands for an end to billionaire influence in politics, calling for a halt to the Trump administration's proposed cuts to Social Security and Medicare, and an end to attacks on marginalized communities, including transgender individuals and immigrants. The demonstrations were not confined to the U.S.; protests also erupted in cities across Europe, Canada, and beyond, highlighting a growing international opposition to Trump's policies.
In Washington, D.C., the National Mall was filled with protesters by early afternoon, as demonstrators stretched as far as the eye could see. Metro Police had to shut down 14th Street due to the overwhelming number of pedestrians. Many attendees waved American flags and signs that read messages like "Hands off our democracy" and "Save Social Security." Some even brought their dogs, dressed in shirts that read "Dogs against DOGE," a reference to the Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk, who has been a controversial figure in the administration.
Speaking at the D.C. rally, Paul Osadebe, a lawyer for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, criticized both Trump and Musk, stating, "Billionaires and oligarchs don't value anything other than profit and power, and they sure as hell don't value you or your life or your community." His remarks resonated with many in attendance who feel that the administration's policies prioritize the wealthy over working-class Americans.
In Boston, thousands gathered on Boston Common, holding signs with slogans like "Diversity, equity, inclusion makes America strong" and "Hands off our Social Security." In Columbus, Ohio, hundreds braved rainy conditions at the Statehouse, where Roger Broom, a retiree, expressed his disillusionment with Trump, saying, "He’s tearing this country apart. It’s just an administration of grievances."
In Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, demonstrators gathered near Trump's golf course, where he was attending a tournament. Archer Moran from Port St. Lucie remarked, "They need to keep their hands off of our Social Security. The list of what they need to keep their hands off of is too long." The White House, however, dismissed the protests, asserting that Trump will always protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, protests in Europe echoed similar sentiments. In Frankfurt, Germany, the "Hands Off!" demonstration was organized by Democrats Abroad, with participants demanding Trump's resignation. In Berlin, demonstrators protested in front of a Tesla showroom, calling for an end to the chaos in the U.S. One placard read, "Shut up Elon, no one voted for you," directed at Musk, who has faced criticism for his role in government downsizing.
In Paris, around 200 people, mostly Americans, gathered at Place de la République, waving banners that read "Resist Tyrant" and "Save Democracy." Similar protests occurred in London and Lisbon, with demonstrators expressing their discontent with Trump's policies and Musk's influence.
These protests come on the heels of a tumultuous week for financial markets following Trump's announcement of sweeping global tariffs. The backlash against the administration's economic policies has galvanized opposition, prompting citizens to take to the streets in unprecedented numbers.
The "Hands Off!" movement articulates three main demands: to stop the Trump administration's billionaire takeover and rampant corruption, prevent cuts to essential federal programs like Social Security and Medicare, and halt attacks on marginalized communities, including immigrants and transgender individuals.
As the protests unfolded, many activists expressed their frustration with the current political climate. CC Kay of Silver Spring, Maryland, emphasized the importance of voting rights, stating, "Protesting is the way I can scream. And I just feel that voting underscores everything. Everything. Without the vote, we get nothing."
Ed Jeffries, a 74-year-old from Poland, Ohio, added, "We're losing [democracy] in this country, and we need to start fighting back. He has too many people that are just siding with him." This sentiment was echoed by other participants, including Ann Berger, who protested against Musk's financial influence in the recent Wisconsin Supreme Court election.
In York, Pennsylvania, a crowd of over 700 gathered, many holding signs that targeted both Trump and Musk. Some attendees wore costumes to express their discontent. Caro Stowell, dressed as a clown, remarked, "I came out because we have elected a clown, and now we have a circus."
As the "Hands Off!" protests continue to unfold, it remains to be seen how the administration will respond to the mounting pressure from both domestic and international critics. Activists are determined to keep the momentum going, insisting that their collective voice must be heard in the face of what they perceive as an assault on democracy and civil rights.
The protests signify a pivotal moment in American politics, as citizens from all walks of life unite to demand accountability and transparency from their government. Whether or not these demonstrations will lead to tangible change remains uncertain, but the sheer scale of participation highlights a growing dissatisfaction with the current administration and its policies.
