On Saturday, April 5, 2025, over 500,000 people are expected to participate in protests across the United States and in several European cities against President Donald Trump and his ally, billionaire Elon Musk. These demonstrations, organized by progressive groups including MoveOn and Indivisible, are being labeled as the largest single-day protests in recent American history, with approximately 1,200 events planned nationwide.
The protests, called "Hands Off!", aim to voice opposition to what organizers describe as a radical shift in U.S. foreign and domestic policy. Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, emphasized the importance of these demonstrations, stating, "This is a national mobilization to stop the most shameless power grab in modern history." The protests are a direct response to Trump's recent executive orders and policies that many perceive as authoritarian.
In Washington, D.C., the largest rally is scheduled to take place on the National Mall, where several members of Congress, including Democrats Jamie Raskin (Maryland), Maxwell Frost (Florida), and Ilhan Omar (Minnesota), are expected to speak. The protest's official website declares, "Trump, Musk, and their billionaire acolytes are orchestrating a total assault on the government, economy, and fundamental rights of American citizens."
Approximately 150 activist groups are participating in the protests, which are planned in all 50 states, as well as in Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Mexico, and Portugal. In cities like Frankfurt and Berlin, protests are also occurring, with demonstrators holding signs demanding an end to the chaos they attribute to Trump and Musk.
In Berlin, protesters gathered outside a Tesla showroom, urging American citizens living abroad to take action against the perceived chaos back home. Similar scenes unfolded in Paris, where about 200 people rallied at Place de la République, denouncing Trump with slogans like "Resist Tyrant" and "Save Democracy." In London, protesters gathered in Trafalgar Square, expressing their discontent with placards that read, "Proud American Ashamed" and "WTAF America?"
These protests come at a time of heightened economic tension, following a significant drop in financial markets after Trump announced new tariffs on imports earlier this month. The tariffs, set at 10%, are part of Trump's broader economic strategy, which many critics argue disproportionately affects working-class Americans. Despite the backlash, Trump remains steadfast, asserting, "My policies will never change." His approval rating has fallen to 43%, the lowest since the beginning of his second term, according to a recent Reuters poll.
Activists argue that Trump's agenda threatens essential services such as Social Security and Medicaid, with plans reportedly in place to close social security offices and lay off essential workers. Critics warn that these actions are aimed at funding tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy, undermining the very fabric of American democracy.
In addition to domestic protests, international voices are also expressing discontent. French Prime Minister François Bayrou criticized Trump's support for far-right leader Marine Le Pen, calling it an "interference" in French politics. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the implications of Trump's tariffs, agreeing that a trade war would not benefit any party involved.
In Sri Lanka, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed defense and energy agreements, marking a significant step in regional diplomacy as China expands its influence in the area. This international backdrop adds another layer of complexity to the protests, as global leaders assess the impact of Trump's policies on international relations.
Meanwhile, in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenski has denounced the U.S. embassy's "weak" response to a recent deadly strike in Kryvyi Rig, criticizing the embassy for failing to acknowledge the source of the attack. The Russian Ministry of Defense has reported intensified Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.
As protests unfold in the streets of America and beyond, the message is clear: a significant portion of the populace is determined to resist what they see as an encroachment on democracy and civil rights. The mobilization echoes past movements, reminiscent of the Women's March in 2017, when over 470,000 people protested in Washington D.C. alone, setting records for a single-day demonstration in U.S. history.
With tensions running high and public sentiment shifting, the outcomes of these protests could have lasting implications for the political landscape in the United States and abroad. As demonstrators chant and march, they are not just voicing their discontent; they are demanding a return to democratic values and accountability from their leaders.
As the day of protests approaches, organizers and participants alike are gearing up for what they hope will be a pivotal moment in the fight against what they perceive as authoritarianism. This mobilization is not just about Trump or Musk; it represents a broader struggle for the soul of American democracy and the rights of its citizens.
