Throngs of individuals who are displeased with the leadership style of US President Donald Trump and his administration have gathered for widespread demonstrations across numerous American cities on Saturday to express their discontent.
This marks the largest protest demonstration to date by the opposition group as they aim to reclaim their vigor following the unexpected initial weeks of the Republicans' tenure in office.
The protest movement — known as Hands Off! — saw over 1,200 events across all 50 states, orchestrated by more than 150 organizations. These included civil rights groups, labor unions, LGBTQ+ supporters, veteran associations, and electoral activists.
The gatherings seemed calm as officials reported no instances of significant unrest, conflicts, or detainments.
Starting from the National Mall park in the nation's capital, Washington D.C., all the way to Midtown Manhattan, and including Boston Common as well as numerous state capitol buildings, thousands of demonstrators criticized both President Donald Trump and the globe’s wealthiest individual, Elon Musk.
Critics expressed their disapproval towards the present administration's strategies and actions, covering areas such as reducing the size of the federal government, impacting economic conditions, managing immigration, and addressing human rights issues.
Protesters gathered to contest the administration's plans to dismiss numerous federal workers, shut down Social Security Administration branch offices, and essentially close whole governmental bodies like USAID.
Musk has played a pivotal role in facilitating such actions, as he heads the newly created Department of Government Efficiency – or DOGE – which aims to slash “unnecessary government spending”. DOGE plans to cut around $2 trillion (€1.82 trillion) in federal expenditure.
Protesters carried banners and posters with messages like " Trap the Muskrat" and " Deport Elon Musk," clearly showing their disapproval of his policies. Numerous individuals have also voiced criticism towards Musk—owner of Tesla, SpaceX, Starlink, and X—for his involvement in governance as a naturalized citizen.
"In America, Mr. Musk, justice cannot be purchased. We do not hold lotteries for million-dollar rewards to offer positions as state Supreme Court judges. Cease attempting to bribe us with your offers. Desist from exploiting our government. And cease pilfering our data," stated Congressman Jamie Raskin during the DC rally.
In Boston, protesters carried placards with messages like "don’t touch our democracy" and "keep your hands off our social security." Mayor Michelle Wu joined the demonstration in the state capital of Massachusetts, criticizing Trump’s intimidating strategies and assaults on diversity and equality.
"I reject the idea that they should live in a society where immigrants such as their grandparents are automatically seen as criminals," Wu stated.
Many individuals gathered for demonstrations in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, which is just a short distance away from President Trump’s golf course in Jupiter. On this particular day, Mr. Trump was present at his club participating in their Senior Club Championship event. Crowds assembled along both edges of PGA Drive, cheering as vehicles passed by and shouting anti-Trump slogans.
When asked regarding the demonstrations, the White House issued a statement saying that "President Trump’s stance is unequivocal: he remains committed to safeguarding Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for those who qualify."
"Additionally, the Democrats' position supports providing Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare benefits to undocumented immigrants, potentially leading to financial ruin for these programs and causing hardship for elderly Americans," said the White House.
Demonstrations were also held overseas, with thousands of American expatriates and international individuals protesting against President Trump’s policies on foreign affairs.
Protests occurred from London to Berlin, demanding "an end to the turmoil," criticizing U.S. President's confrontational worldwide tariff policies that have caused upheaval in global stock markets. Additionally, these demonstrations supported Ukraine, a country Trump has often criticized.
"People who supported him aren’t seeing the outcomes they anticipated due to these trade barriers. Everybody’s finances have suffered. Egg prices haven’t dropped; their quality of life hasn’t improved. Hence, they should feel more outraged than most," stated Alyssa, an American demonstrating in London.
Protesters have organized national and global demonstrations against both Trump and Musk multiple occasions following his return to the White House.
The demonstrators state they will keep up their peaceful protest against a government they believe fails to represent them or the general welfare of American citizens. Their aim is to apply pressure on the administration with the hope of persuading it to change its stance.
