Massive ‘Hands Off!’ Protests Sweep Across U.S. in Opposition to Trump, Musk Policies

April 5, 2025

Tens of thousands of demonstrators filled streets, parks, and city squares across the United States on Saturday as part of the sweeping “Hands Off!” protests—marking the largest coordinated day of action against the Trump administration since his return to office.

From coast to coast, Americans gathered in more than 1,200 locations across all 50 states to voice their discontent with President Donald Trump’s policies and the rising influence of tech magnate and government official Elon Musk. The rallies were unified under a common message: to defend democratic institutions and protect vulnerable communities from what protesters see as authoritarian and corporate overreach.

A Diverse Coalition

Backed by more than 150 advocacy organizations, including civil rights groups, labor unions, LGBTQ+ advocates, immigration activists, veterans’ groups, and election integrity organizations, the Hands Off! movement is rapidly becoming a defining force in the American protest landscape.

“This is not just about politics. It’s about survival, dignity, and democracy,” said Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, addressing thousands on the National Mall. “Our communities are under attack—from transgender people losing basic rights, to immigrants facing mass deportation, to families worrying about their healthcare being stripped away.”

Protests Nationwide

In New York City, demonstrators packed Times Square with banners reading “Hands Off Our Rights” and “Stop the Corporate Coup.” In Boston, large crowds gathered on Boston Common, where Mayor Michelle Wu delivered a passionate speech denouncing cuts to Social Security and the normalization of “government intimidation.”

“I won’t stand by while my children grow up in a country where fear and division are tools of governance,” Wu said. “We must protect our democracy, our programs, and our people.”

Seattle saw one of the most vocal gatherings, where protesters held signs such as “Fight the Oligarchy” and “People Over Profits,” directly calling out Elon Musk’s dual role as Trump adviser and head of the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency. Critics accuse Musk of spearheading deep cuts to federal agencies and prioritizing corporate interests under the guise of “efficiency.”

A Sharp Rebuke of Policy

The protest movement centers on opposition to a range of contentious policy decisions from the Trump administration. These include widespread federal layoffs, efforts to reduce or eliminate key government agencies, cuts to healthcare and social safety net programs, and increased restrictions on LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities.

Organizers say these policies reflect a dangerous consolidation of power that marginalizes the most vulnerable in society.

“Donald Trump and Elon Musk are taking resources that don’t belong to them and trying to reshape the government to serve only the elite,” said Alicia Garcia, a labor organizer in Chicago. “We won’t let them.”

Administration Response

In a statement released late Saturday, the White House defended its agenda, reaffirming President Trump’s commitment to protecting Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. The administration blamed Democrats for creating financial instability and accused them of spreading “fear and misinformation” about ongoing government reforms.

Still, the size and scope of the demonstrations appeared to send a clear message.

A New Chapter in American Activism

Saturday’s Hands Off! protests represent the most significant grassroots mobilization since the Women’s March in 2017 and the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020. While smaller demonstrations have taken place since Trump’s return to power, organizers say this is just the beginning of a larger, sustained resistance effort.

“This movement is about reclaiming our democracy and demanding that our government work for all of us—not just the powerful,” said Jameela Perez, a student organizer from Denver. “We’re here, we’re organized, and we’re not going anywhere.”