‘Hands Off’: Anti-Trump protesters gather in cities across the US
On April 5, 2025, massive anti-Trump protests, labeled as “Hands Off,” took place across the United States and internationally. These demonstrations, which included over 1,200 locations nationwide and several international cities, marked the largest coordinated opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies since he began his second term in January 2025.
Locations and Participation: Protests occurred in all 50 states, with significant gatherings in cities like Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C.. International protests were also held in cities such as London, Paris, and Berlin.
Organizers and Demands: The protests were organized by a coalition of civil rights groups, labor unions, and LGBTQ+ advocates, among others. Key demands included stopping the perceived billionaire takeover, halting cuts to vital programs like Medicaid and Social Security, and ending assaults on marginalized communities.
Speakers and Events: Prominent figures like Senator Ed Markey and actress Jodie Sweetin participated in rallies in Boston and Los Angeles, respectively. The protests featured diverse themes, including opposition to Trump’s foreign policy changes and Elon Musk’s role in government reforms.
Response from Authorities: The White House downplayed the protests, stating they would not deter Trump from his commitments.
Immigration and Transgender Rights: Protesters expressed outrage over immigration sweeps and rollbacks of protections for transgender individuals.
International Solidarity: Demonstrators in London and other international cities showed solidarity by criticizing Trump’s foreign policy moves, such as interests in annexing Canada and Greenland.
Economic Concerns: Protesters also addressed economic issues, including job losses and cuts to federal agencies under Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.
The “Hands Off” protests highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with Trump’s policies and the perceived influence of Elon Musk on government operations.
On April 5, 2025, thousands of protesters gathered in cities across the United States as part of the “Hands Off” movement, marking the most visible opposition to President Donald Trump’s second term since he took office in January. Organized by a coalition of over 150 activist groups, including labor unions, civil rights organizations, and progressive advocates, the demonstrations spanned all 50 states with over 1,200 planned rallies. Major cities like Washington, D.C., New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Boston saw significant turnouts, with crowds voicing discontent over a range of issues tied to Trump’s administration and its policies.
In Washington, D.C., thousands assembled near the Washington Monument, where speakers like Democratic Representatives Jamie Raskin and Maxwell Frost condemned what they described as a “billionaire takeover” of the government, pointing to the influence of Elon Musk, a key Trump advisor leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Protesters chanted slogans like “Hands off our rights” and held signs supporting Social Security, Medicare, immigrant rights, and democracy, while opposing recent tariffs and federal job cuts. Similar scenes unfolded elsewhere: in Boston, demonstrators braved chilly weather to rally against immigration raids, while in Los Angeles, marchers targeted cuts to education and healthcare funding.
The protests weren’t confined to the U.S. Internationally, gatherings in cities like London, Paris, and Berlin echoed the sentiment, with chants like “Hands off Canada” and “Hands off Ukraine” reflecting concerns over Trump’s foreign policy shifts, including his expressed interest in annexing Canada and Greenland. Back home, the White House defended Trump’s agenda, asserting his commitment to protecting Social Security and Medicare, while framing Democrats as the real threat to these programs. Meanwhile, Trump spent the day golfing in Florida, away from the unrest.
The “Hands Off” rallies highlighted a broad spectrum of grievances—economic inequality, government downsizing, and perceived attacks on democratic norms—uniting diverse groups in a shared call for resistance. Organizers estimated participation exceeded half a million nationwide, far surpassing initial expectations, signaling a potentially sustained opposition movement as Trump’s term progresses.
