Angry citizens poured into the streets of numerous American cities on Saturday, voicing their discontent with President Donald Trump’s administration. These demonstrations marked the most significant mobilization by the opposition since the initial surprise of Trump’s early days in office. Known as the Hands Off! protests, over 1,200 events were organized across all 50 states by a coalition of more than 150 groups, including civil rights bodies, labor unions, and LGBTQ+ advocates. The largely peaceful rallies resulted in no immediate arrests.
Across the nation, from New York City’s Midtown to Anchorage, Alaska, protestors criticized Trump and Elon Musk, particularly focusing on issues like government downsizing, economic policies, immigration, and human rights. In Seattle, attendees held banners stating “Fight the oligarchy,” while marches took place through the streets of Portland, Oregon, and Los Angeles. In these cities, crowds moved from Pershing Square to City Hall, drawing attention to their grievances.
Demonstrators expressed frustration over recent actions by the administration, which included significant firing of federal staff, the closure of Social Security Administration offices, limiting agency functions, deportation of immigrants, reduced rights for transgender individuals, and cutting healthcare funds. Elon Musk, a key figure in this strategy due to his role in the Department of Government Efficiency, defended his actions as a cost-saving measure for taxpayers.
Reacting to the protests, the White House issued a statement reaffirming Trump’s commitment to safeguarding Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. The statement also accused Democrats of endangering these programs by allegedly extending benefits to illegal immigrants. Kelley Robinson, the Human Rights Campaign president, criticized the administration for its treatment of LGBTQ+ people during a rally at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., which also saw participation from some Democratic lawmakers.
Robinson articulated the personal nature of these political conflicts, highlighting attempts to ban books, reduce funding for HIV prevention, and criminalize healthcare professionals and educators. She emphasized a desire for an America where dignity, safety, and freedom are universal rights.
In Boston, protesters waved signs with messages such as “Hands off our democracy” and “Hands off our Social Security.” Mayor Michelle Wu addressed the crowd, voicing concern over a potential future where diversity and equality are threatened, and immigrants, including her own family members, face automatic criminal suspicion.
One notable protester, Roger Broom, a retiree and former Reagan Republican from Ohio, joined hundreds at the Statehouse in Columbus. Disillusioned with Trump, Broom stated, “He’s tearing this country apart,” calling the administration “an administration of grievances.” Meanwhile, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, protests unfolded near Trump’s golf club as he participated in a tournament. Demonstrators lined the roads, urging passersby to express their dissent through car horns.
Archer Moran from Florida insisted, “They need to keep their hands off of our Social Security,” pointing out the rapid mobilization of protests within Trump’s short time in office. Despite Trump’s golfing activities, which were set to continue on Sunday, protesters remained resolute.
Nationwide, there have been multiple protests against Trump and Musk since Trump’s return to office. However, Saturday’s gatherings aimed to emulate the impact of previous mass movements like the 2017 Women’s March or the widespread Black Lives Matter protests in 2020. In Charlotte, North Carolina, participants rallied for diverse causes, from Social Security and education to immigration and women’s reproductive rights.
Britt Castillo, a Charlotte resident, voiced her concerns about the administration’s approach, stating that despite political affiliations, the current methods are unacceptable. The crowd in San Jose, California, echoed this sentiment with Deborah Doherty, a graphic designer and prior participant in the 2017 Women’s March, stressing the necessity for cities nationwide to maintain their opposition against Trump’s policies.