‘Hands Off’ Protests Surge Against Trump-Musk Alliance
Thousands of Americans rallied across the country Saturday in a coordinated “Hands Off!” protest movement targeting President Donald Trump’s administration and billionaire Elon Musk’s government efficiency initiatives. The demonstrations represent the largest organized resistance to the administration since Trump returned to office in January.
More than 1,200 demonstrations were organized by a coalition of over 150 groups, including civil rights organizations, labor unions, and advocacy groups, according to AP News. Protesters gathered at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., state capitals, and various locations across all 50 states.
In Boston, thousands assembled on the Common carrying signs with messages including “Hands off our democracy,” “Hands off our Social Security,” and “Diversity equity inclusion makes America strong. Hands off!” Similar scenes played out in cities nationwide.
Government Downsizing and Social Program Concerns
Protesters specifically targeted the administration’s moves to fire thousands of federal workers, close Social Security Administration field offices, reduce federal programs, and cut funding for health initiatives. Many demonstrators expressed alarm about what they perceive as threats to essential government services.
Musk, who heads the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has positioned himself as a key architect of government downsizing efforts. The SpaceX and Tesla CEO claims these initiatives have saved taxpayers billions, but critics argue they threaten vital public services.
Paul Osadebe, a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development lawyer and labor union steward, addressed the Washington protest, criticizing the administration’s approach to federal employment. “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 told the crowd.
Thousands of protesters have flooded the streets of Boston demonstrating in the anti-Trump "Hands Off!" rally. It's one of 1,200 other protests unfolding in all 50 states across the country. pic.twitter.com/jNs7KMwKvB
— ABC News Live (@ABCNewsLive) April 5, 2025
New Jersey Emerges as Protest Hotspot
New Jersey emerged as a particular center of protest activity, with 26 separate demonstrations organized across the state. Most events began between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., with participants focusing on a broad range of concerns including Social Security, Medicare, public lands, veterans’ services, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Organizers emphasized nonviolence in their approach while characterizing the administration’s actions as “the most brazen power grab in modern history.” The coalition includes prominent groups such as the 50501 Movement, Indivisible, the League of Women Voters, and the National Education Association.
White House Response
The White House defended the president’s policies in a statement, saying “President Trump’s position is clear: he will always protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries.” The statement went on to claim that Democrats support giving these benefits to “illegal aliens, which will bankrupt these programs and crush American seniors.”
Market Turmoil Amid Tariff Controversy
The protests come amid significant economic uncertainty following Trump’s sweeping new tariff policies. According to CNN, US stocks plunged for a second consecutive day after China announced 34% reciprocal tariffs on American goods. The Dow has fallen more than 10% from its December record high, entering correction territory.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell expressed concern about the tariffs’ economic impact during an event in Arlington, Virginia. “We face a highly uncertain outlook with elevated risks of both higher unemployment and higher inflation,” Powell said, adding that tariffs would likely generate “at least a temporary rise in inflation.”
Despite market turbulence, Trump remained defiant. “To the many investors coming into the United States and investing massive amounts of money, my policies will never change,” he wrote on social media. “This is a great time to get rich, richer than ever before!!!”
While protest organizers describe Saturday’s events as the largest demonstrations since Trump’s return to office, they have yet to match the scale of the 2017 Women’s March or the 2020 Black Lives Matter demonstrations that followed George Floyd’s death.
