On Saturday, April 5, 2025, thousands of protesters gathered at the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., for the "Hands Off!" rally, voicing their opposition to the policies of President Donald Trump and his administration. This event was part of a nationwide mobilization that aimed to challenge what many activists described as an unprecedented power grab by the federal government, heavily backed by billionaire interests, including Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency.
The rally began at noon and was expected to run until 3:30 p.m., drawing crowds that prompted the U.S. Park Police to block off 15th Street Northwest from Constitution Avenue NW to Independence Avenue SW. With around 200 organizations participating in various events across the country, the "Hands Off!" protests were anticipated to be among the largest demonstrations since Trump took office.
According to the organizers, more than 1,200 "Hands Off!" demonstrations were planned across all 50 states, with an estimated 400,000 participants nationwide. The protests were designed to highlight the negative impacts of the Trump administration's policies, which activists argue have threatened civil rights, social services, and the overall democratic process.
Paul Osadebe, a lawyer for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and a labor union steward, spoke at the D.C. rally, criticizing the administration's disregard for federal workers. "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," he declared.
Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, also addressed the crowd, emphasizing the personal nature of the attacks on the LGBTQ+ community. "The attacks that we’re seeing, they’re not just political. They are personal, y’all," she stated. Robinson's remarks resonated with many in the crowd who felt targeted by recent government actions.
In addition to the "Hands Off!" rally, a separate "March for Palestine" event was scheduled to take place in the afternoon, beginning at 1 p.m. This march aimed to draw attention to issues facing Palestinians and was anticipated to attract significant participation from various community organizations, including trade unions and anti-war groups.
As the protests unfolded, the White House took precautionary measures by postponing its spring garden tours, originally set for the same day. The tours were moved to Sunday, April 6, to ensure safety amid the anticipated protests. A White House statement emphasized that President Trump remains committed to protecting social programs like Social Security and Medicare, while criticizing the Democrats for their stance on immigration and social services.
Despite the significant turnout, the protests also faced challenges. Activists expressed concerns about the potential for violence and disruption, prompting the National Park Service to closely monitor the events. "The National Park Service, including the United States Park Police, is committed to providing safe spaces for the peaceful assembly and expression of First Amendment rights," a spokesperson stated.
The nationwide protests were framed as a response to what many see as an authoritarian overreach by the Trump administration. Organizers described the day as a crucial moment for citizens to rise up against policies perceived to undermine democracy and civil rights. "If we don’t fight now, there won’t be anything left to save," the protest's website declared.
Demonstrations were not limited to Washington, D.C. Protests occurred in cities across the country, including Philadelphia, where activists like Eileen Hill, a retired physician, joined the ranks of those voicing their discontent. Hill emphasized the importance of grassroots movements in challenging the current administration's actions.
In other cities, participants carried signs with messages reflecting their concerns, such as "Hands off democracy" and "Stop being [Vladimir] Putin’s puppet," showcasing the intersection of domestic and international issues that have galvanized public sentiment against the administration.
The weather on the day of the protests varied across the country, with some regions experiencing rain and cooler temperatures. In Washington, D.C., cloudy skies and occasional rain were expected, but many protesters remained undeterred. "Rain or shine I’ll be out there. The more people go out at the same time, the louder the voice," said protester Andre Phillips, highlighting the determination of those involved.
The protests also served as a reminder of the significant political mobilization that has occurred since Trump’s election in 2016. Previous mass demonstrations, such as the Women’s March, have set a precedent for large-scale activism in response to perceived injustices. Organizers of the "Hands Off!" rally aimed to replicate that momentum and inspire continued civic engagement.
As the day progressed, protesters from various backgrounds united in their calls for justice and accountability. From civil rights activists to labor union members, the diverse coalition reflected a broad spectrum of concerns about the future of American democracy under the current administration.
In summary, the "Hands Off!" protests on April 5, 2025, marked a significant moment in the ongoing struggle against policies perceived as detrimental to civil rights and democratic values. With thousands of participants rallying across the nation, the day underscored the power of collective action in the face of political challenges. The events served not only as a platform for dissent but also as a call to action for those who believe in the importance of safeguarding democracy for all Americans.
