Streets Fill With Protesters in Anti-Trump ‘Hands Off’ Movement
Demonstrators turned out in force across America on Saturday as the “Hands Off!” protest movement against President Donald Trump’s administration and Elon Musk’s government efficiency initiatives swept through all 50 states. The coordinated demonstrations marked the largest resistance effort since Trump’s return to office in January.
Over 1,200 protests were organized nationwide by a coalition exceeding 150 groups, including civil rights organizations, labor unions, and advocacy organizations, according to NJ Breaking News. From Washington D.C.’s National Mall to state capitals and local communities, Americans voiced concerns about government downsizing and policy changes.
In Providence, Rhode Island, an estimated 6,000 protesters gathered at Hope High School before marching down Thayer Street and Angell Street to Burnside Park. The demonstrators were accompanied by brass bands and carried signs with slogans including “The DOGE ate my constitution,” “RIP the American Experiment: 1776 to 2025,” and “The only minority ruining America is the billionaires,” as reported by the Providence Journal.
Coast-to-Coast Resistance Movement
Chicago’s Daley Plaza became another focal point for protests starting at noon, with additional demonstrations spreading throughout suburbs including Berwyn, Gurnee, Palatine, and Joliet. ABC7 Chicago reported widespread participation across the metropolitan area.
In Boston, thousands assembled on the Common carrying signs with messages including “Hands off our democracy” and “Hands off our Social Security.” New Jersey emerged as a particular hotspot with 26 separate demonstrations organized throughout the state, most beginning between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Working Families Party organizer Zack Mezera addressed the Providence crowd before their march, urging local political engagement beyond the national protest. “What has our leadership done?” he asked demonstrators. “Where is Governor McKee? Why isn’t he here?” The crowd responded with chants of “Where is McKee?”
Protests against the actions of the Trump administration are taking place in all 50 states today
— Morning Brew ☕️ (@MorningBrew) April 5, 2025
More than 1,200 demonstrations are planned throughout the day
Here is the scene on the Boston Common: pic.twitter.com/NAicQIZHNM
Targeting Trump-Musk Policies
Protesters specifically targeted the administration’s initiatives to terminate thousands of federal workers, close Social Security Administration offices, reduce federal programs, and cut healthcare funding. Many expressed particular concern about the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by billionaire Elon Musk.
Paul Osadebe, a Housing and Urban Development lawyer and union steward, delivered pointed criticism at the Washington protest. “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 assembled demonstrators.
The diverse coalition organizing the protests included prominent groups such as Indivisible, the League of Women Voters, the National Education Association, and the 50501 Movement. In Rhode Island, local chapters collaborated with Climate Action RI, The Womxn Project, AFL-CIO, SEIU 1199, and other organizations to coordinate events.
White House Response Amid Economic Concerns
The White House defended Trump’s policies in a statement, maintaining that “President Trump’s position is clear: he will always protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries.” The statement accused Democrats of supporting these benefits for “illegal aliens, which will bankrupt these programs and crush American seniors.”
These demonstrations occurred against a backdrop of economic uncertainty following Trump’s new tariff policies. Markets have reacted negatively, with stocks plunging after China announced 34% reciprocal tariffs on American imports. The Dow has fallen more than 10% from its December peak, entering correction territory.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell expressed concerns about the economic outlook during an Arlington, Virginia event. “We face a highly uncertain outlook with elevated risks of both higher unemployment and higher inflation,” Powell stated, adding that tariffs would likely cause “at least a temporary rise in inflation.”
Trump has maintained his stance despite market turbulence, writing on social media: “To the many investors coming into the United States and investing massive amounts of money, my policies will never change. This is a great time to get rich, richer than ever before!!!”
While Saturday’s events represent the largest anti-Trump demonstrations since his return to office, organizers acknowledge they have not yet matched the scale of the 2017 Women’s March or the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests following George Floyd’s death.
