Boise, ID (CBS2) — A mass mobilization event called Hands Off! is set to take place on Saturday, April 5, 2025, across the country as protesters plan to take to the streets with a clear message for President Trump and Elon Musk: "Hands off!" Organizers of the event are rallying against what they describe as the "destruction of our government and our economy for the benefit of Trump and his billionaire allies." The protest aims to address concerns over the influence of President Trump and Elon Musk, with organizers stating, "They're taking everything they can get their hands on—our health care, our data, our jobs, our services—and daring the world to stop them." The event is part of a broader movement to "stop the chaos and build an opposition movement against the looting of our country." Organizers emphasize a commitment to nonviolent action, urging participants to "seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values." The event will take place at the Idaho State Capitol from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, participants are encouraged to visit handsoff2025.com.
In Ohio, a staggering fifty-five protests are planned for this weekend, with more being added as organizers ramp up efforts. These demonstrations are part of over 1,000 protests slated for all 50 states and Washington, D.C. The protests reflect a growing backlash against the Trump administration's policies, which many believe are undermining democracy and harming various sectors, including public health, veterans, and the working poor. As global markets plummet due to sweeping tariffs imposed by Trump, the sentiment against his administration is likely to intensify.
"Donald Trump and Elon Musk believe this country belongs to them," the Hands Off! website asserts. "They’re taking everything they can get their hands on, and daring the world to stop them. On Saturday, April 5th, we’re taking to the streets nationwide to fight back with a clear message: Hands Off!" The protests are organized by a coalition of advocacy organizations, including the AFL-CIO, Americans for Financial Reform, Common Cause, and Planned Parenthood, all of whom are calling for a united front against perceived governmental overreach.
In Columbus, Ohio, a notable protest is scheduled for noon on Saturday at the Western Plaza of the Ohio Statehouse. Other cities like Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, and Toledo will also host rallies, with participants ranging from the elderly to young families eager to voice their concerns. Mia Lewis of Common Cause Ohio remarked, "For many people, this will be the first protest they have attended. They are coming out not to tear anything down, but to stand up for the Constitution, for the rule of law, for our democracy. Enough is enough!"
The nationwide movement is expected to be the largest single-day protest since Trump took office. More than 1,100 rallies, visibility events, and meetings were scheduled in all 50 states as of April 2, 2025. Organizers reported nearly 250,000 RSVPs as of March 29, 2025, demonstrating significant public interest and involvement.
In Massachusetts, protests will also take place, including one on Boston Common starting at 11 a.m. at the Parkman Bandstand. Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey is slated to speak at the Boston rally, which will culminate in a march to City Hall Plaza. Organizer Kate Merritt-O'Toole remarked, "It's a time for everybody to get up from the kitchen table and say 'Hands off.' Hands off our government, hands off our constitution. Elon Musk's interference into the database of people's private information, social security, lots of concerns. Many of these things are bipartisan, like our social security. Everybody needs social security, healthcare, Medicaid, research."
The Boston protest will also feature a special acoustic set from the Dropkick Murphys, adding a cultural touch to the political message. With weather forecasts predicting steady and heavy rain across Massachusetts, participants remain resolute. "Rain or shine I'll be out there," said Andre Phillips. "The more people go out at the same time, the louder the voice. So it's kind of ideal."
St. Cloud, Minnesota, is another location where protests are scheduled. The event will commence at noon on April 5 near the Great River Regional Library. Organizers are protesting cuts to the federal government made by Trump and Musk through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This agency has faced criticism for its actions, including the cancellation of grants aimed at gender equality and worker empowerment. Other Minnesota cities, such as St. Paul and Plymouth, will also host protests.
The sentiment against Trump's administration extends beyond mere protests. In York, Pennsylvania, a demonstration titled "Hands Off! York Fights Back" is set to occur from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, highlighting the nationwide mobilization against what many view as a power grab by Trump and Musk. Organizers are committed to nonviolent action, emphasizing the need to de-escalate any potential confrontations.
Protests are also planned in Harrisburg and Lancaster, with approximately 1,000 demonstrations expected nationwide over the weekend. The Hands Off! movement has garnered support from over 150 national and state groups and organizations, showcasing a broad coalition united against the current administration's policies.
As the protests unfold, they are likely to shape the political landscape in the coming months. The mobilization against Trump and Musk represents a significant moment in American political activism, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the current state of governance. Participants are not just rallying against specific policies; they are advocating for the preservation of democratic values and the protection of essential services that many Americans rely on.
The Hands Off! protests are not merely a reaction to current events; they symbolize a growing movement of citizens who feel their voices are being silenced. With the stakes higher than ever, organizers stress the importance of peaceful demonstration and the need for solidarity among participants. As the nation prepares for this unprecedented day of action, the message is clear: Hands off our government, our rights, and our future.
