As the sun rose on Saturday, April 5, 2025, thousands of protesters started to gather in various locations across the United States. The mission was clear: to voice their opposition against the current administration and its controversial policies. These were not just simple demonstrations but were a part of a larger, organized movement called “Hands Off!” The primary focus of these protests was President Donald Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, who have been the center of numerous heated debates and discussions in recent times.
Over 150 groups, including labor unions, civil rights organizations, LBGTQ+ advocates, veterans, and elections activists, had planned more than 1,200 “Hands Off!” demonstrations. These protests were planned in all corners of the nation, from the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to state capitols, and other significant locations in all 50 states. The day was marked by an outpouring of citizens, united in their cause and determined to make their voices heard.
The “Hands Off” movement emerged as a response to several controversial actions taken by the Trump administration. The protesters were particularly critical of the administration’s decision to lay off thousands of federal workers and close numerous Social Security Administration field offices. Even more, they were concerned about the administration’s move to effectively shutter entire agencies, deport immigrants, and cut back protections for transgender people. The protesters also expressed their dissatisfaction with the administration’s decision to cut federal funding for health programs.
One significant figure in this drama is Elon Musk, the owner of Tesla, SpaceX, and the social media platform X. Musk, who is also a Trump adviser, has been playing a pivotal role in the government’s downsizing efforts. As the head of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, Musk has claimed that his actions are saving taxpayers billions of dollars. However, this has not sat well with various sections of society, who view these actions as detrimental to the wellbeing of the citizens and the country as a whole.
Paul Osadebe, a lawyer for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and a labor union steward, spoke at the Washington protest. He criticized Trump, Musk, and others in the administration for not valuing the work federal employees do. He lamented that these individuals were undermining the economic security and power of working people.
“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,” Osadebe stated passionately at the rally. “And we’re seeing that they don’t care who they have to destroy or who they have to hurt to get what they want.”
The wave of protests was not limited to Washington, D.C. According to mobilize.us, an online organizing platform for events, there were more than 1,200 “Hands Off” protests planned in all 50 states.
In Massachusetts, Boston Common was filled with thousands of people, holding signs with messages such as “Hands off our democracy,” “Hands off our Social Security,” and “Diversity equity inclusion makes America strong. Hands off!” The city was abuzz with chants and impassioned speeches, as the people united in their opposition against the current administration.
In New York City, thousands of protesters took to the streets of midtown Manhattan. The city, known for its diversity and vibrant spirit, was alive with the energy of the protesters. CBS Chicago reported a similar scene in Illinois, where a large group of protesters gathered downtown in Daley Plaza. There was also a protest at the Illinois capital in Springfield.
In Ohio, despite the rain, hundreds of people rallied at the Statehouse in Columbus. Roger Broom, a retiree from Delaware County, Ohio, shared his thoughts at the Columbus rally. He stated that he used to be a Reagan Republican but has been turned off by Trump’s actions. “He’s tearing this country apart,” Broom said. “It’s just an administration of grievances.”
In the sunny state of Florida, hundreds of people also demonstrated in Palm Beach Gardens, a few miles from Trump’s golf course in Jupiter. The protesters lined both sides of PGA Drive, encouraging cars to honk and chanting slogans against Trump. Archer Moran from Port St. Lucie, Florida, voiced his concerns, saying, “They need to keep their hands off of our Social Security.”
“The list of what they need to keep their hands off of is too long,” Moran added. “And it’s amazing how soon these protests are happening since he’s taken office.”
President Trump, however, seemed undeterred by the protests. According to the White House, he planned to go golfing again on Sunday.
When asked about the protests, the White House issued a statement saying, “President Trump’s position is clear: he will always protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries. Meanwhile, the Democrats’ stance is giving Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare benefits to illegal aliens, which will bankrupt these programs and crush American seniors.”
It’s not the first time that activists have staged nationwide demonstrations against Trump or Musk since the new administration took power. However, the opposition movement has yet to produce a mass mobilization like the Women’s March in 2017, which brought thousands of women to Washington, D.C., after Trump’s first inauguration, or the Black Lives Matter demonstrations that erupted in multiple cities after George Floyd’s killing in 2020.
The organizers of the “Hands Off!” movement hope that Saturday’s demonstrations will be the largest since Trump returned to office in January. Whether or not their hopes will be realized remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: the people are not afraid to voice their opinions, and they are ready to take action to protect their rights and their country.
