//Nationwide 'Hands Off!' Protests Erupt Across the United States Against Trump and Musk's Policies//
On April 5, 2025, a wave of "Hands Off!" protests swept across the United States, with demonstrators rallying against the policies of President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk. Organized by a coalition of over 150 groups—including civil rights organizations, labor unions, LGBTQ+ advocates, veterans, and election activists—more than 1,200 demonstrations took place in all 50 states, as well as in cities across Canada, Mexico, and Europe. The protests aimed to oppose the administration's actions on government downsizing, economic policies, human rights, and other issues.
In Washington, D.C., thousands gathered on the National Mall, holding signs that read "Hands off our democracy," "Hands off our Social Security," and "Diversity, equity, inclusion makes America strong. Hands off!" Speakers at the event included Democratic Representatives Jamie Raskin, Maxwell Frost, and Ilhan Omar, who criticized the administration's efforts to dismantle programs like Social Security and Medicaid. Similar scenes unfolded in cities like Boston, Massachusetts, and Columbus, Ohio, where protesters braved rainy conditions to make their voices heard.
The protests were sparked by recent actions taken by the Trump administration, including the firing of thousands of federal workers, the closure of Social Security Administration field offices, the deportation of immigrants, the scaling back of protections for transgender individuals, and cuts to federal funding for health programs. Elon Musk, serving as the head of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has played a key role in these downsizing efforts, arguing that they save taxpayers billions of dollars. However, critics argue that these measures disproportionately harm vulnerable populations and undermine essential public services.
In response to the protests, the White House released a statement asserting that "President Trump's position is clear: he will always protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries." The administration also accused Democrats of seeking to extend these benefits to illegal aliens, which they claim would bankrupt the programs and harm American seniors.
Despite the administration's assurances, protesters remain skeptical. Paul Osadebe, a lawyer for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and a labor union steward, criticized Trump, Musk, and others in the administration for not valuing the work federal employees do in creating "a baseline of economic security and power for working people." He added, "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."
The "Hands Off!" protests represent one of the largest mobilizations against the Trump administration since his return to office in January 2025. Organizers hope that the demonstrations will inspire more Americans to oppose policies they view as harmful to democracy and social welfare. As the administration continues to implement its agenda, it remains to be seen how these protests will influence future policy decisions.
