On Saturday, April 5, 2025, tens of thousands of Americans united in protest across all 50 states, voicing strong opposition to President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk over sweeping changes in government operations, human rights policies, and economic reforms.
Over 1,200 “Hands Off!” demonstrations were organized by more than 150 advocacy groups, including civil rights associations, labor unions, LGBTQ+ organizations, veterans, and electoral reform activists. Key protest sites included Washington D.C.’s National Mall, various state capitols, and city centers nationwide.
Demonstrators condemned the Trump administration’s aggressive downsizing efforts, which have led to massive layoffs of federal employees, closures of Social Security offices, and the dissolution of several federal agencies. Protesters also highlighted concerns over anti-immigration policies, reduced protections for transgender individuals, and significant cuts to federal healthcare programs.
Elon Musk, who now heads the newly established Department of Government Efficiency and serves as a senior Trump advisor, has defended the drastic budget cuts, claiming they save taxpayers billions. Musk’s influence over the federal restructuring has intensified public scrutiny.
At the rally in Washington, D.C., Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson passionately addressed the crowd:
“These aren’t just political attacks — they are personal. They’re banning our books, slashing HIV funding, criminalizing teachers and doctors. This isn’t the America we want. We want dignity, safety, and freedom for everyone.”
Large demonstrations also took place in Manhattan, Boston, Columbus, and Palm Beach Gardens — the latter just miles from Trump’s golf course in Jupiter, Florida. Protesters in Boston held signs that read “Hands off our democracy” and “Diversity, equity, inclusion make America strong.”
Roger Broom, a 66-year-old retiree from Ohio who once supported Reagan, expressed his frustration at the Columbus rally.
“He’s tearing this country apart. This isn’t leadership — it’s grievance-driven politics,” Broom said.
Meanwhile, in Florida, demonstrator Archer Moran added, “The list of things they need to keep their hands off is endless. Social Security is just the start.”
While the White House maintained that President Trump is committed to protecting Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, critics argue that recent administrative actions say otherwise.
“Trump is protecting benefits for American citizens,” the statement read. “Democrats want to extend those benefits to illegal immigrants, risking the collapse of the system.”
Despite repeated protests since Trump’s return to office, the opposition has yet to reach the scale of the 2017 Women’s March or the widespread Black Lives Matter rallies of 2020. Still, the movement is growing, as demonstrated by the turnout and the diversity of issues being raised.
In Charlotte, North Carolina, protester Britt Castillo summed up the mood: “No matter your party, what this administration is doing is unacceptable. They’re protecting their rich allies while the rest of us get left behind.”
