Across the United States, tens of thousands of demonstrators united under the banner of the “Hands Off” movement to express growing concern over President Donald Trump’s recent policies and the expanding influence of his key adviser, billionaire Elon Musk. Sparked by sweeping reforms and a push for increased presidential power, the protests reflected a nationwide wave of dissent.
More than 1,200 coordinated demonstrations were held across all 50 states on Saturday, with organizers estimating over 250,000 participants. Large crowds gathered at symbolic locations, including the National Mall in Washington, DC. Protesters condemned drastic actions taken by Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has resulted in the loss of over 200,000 federal jobs and significant cuts to public services, particularly within the IRS and Social Security Administration.
Al Jazeera’s Mike Hanna described the event in Washington as the largest protest since Trump’s re-election, highlighting the broad and diverse turnout. He emphasized that while the demonstrations may not bring immediate legislative change, they mark a pivotal moment in showing widespread opposition to the administration’s direction.
In Chicago, a strong union presence took to the streets, advocating for workers’ rights and job protection. Similar scenes unfolded in New York’s Bryant Park, where signs like “Unplug Elon” underscored public disapproval of Musk’s expanding role in government restructuring. Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, spoke in Washington, condemning what she called personal attacks on vulnerable communities.
Demonstrations were also held in cities such as Boston, Atlanta, Miami, and Charlotte, with demands centered on immigration reform, healthcare, and labor rights.
Solidarity rallies erupted beyond U.S. borders in cities like Paris, London, Berlin, and Frankfurt. In Paris, around 200 people gathered at Place de la République, waving signs such as “Resist Tyrant” and “Feminists for Freedom, Not Fascism.” Organizers like Ezra Levin of Indivisible emphasized the importance of global unity in pushing back against authoritarianism.
The White House defended its policies, with assistant press secretary Liz Huston stating that President Trump is committed to protecting programs like Social Security and Medicare for eligible Americans, accusing Democrats of jeopardizing those programs by extending benefits to undocumented immigrants.
Adding to the momentum, pro-Palestinian groups joined protests in Washington, criticizing the administration’s stance on the conflict in Gaza and its suppression of campus activism.
The “Hands Off” movement, both at home and abroad, has become a powerful display of public resistance—championing democracy, social justice, and collective accountability.
