More than 1,200 “Hands Off!” protests erupted across all 50 states, with over 500,000 people RSVPing to demonstrations opposing former President Trump’s policies and government cuts. The nationwide movement, focusing on issues ranging from government downsizing to “transgender” rights, marked one of the largest coordinated protest efforts since Trump left office.
“We are marching, rallying, and protesting to demand a stop to the chaos and build an opposition movement against the looting of our country,” said protest organizers in demonstrations across Los Angeles.
The protests spanned from major metropolitan areas to small towns, with significant gatherings in New York, Washington, Boston, Atlanta, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Demonstrators voiced concerns about various issues, including proposed cuts to social security, healthcare access, and immigration policies.
In Boston, thousands gathered on Boston Common, wielding signs reading “Hands off our democracy” and “Diversity equity inclusion makes America strong. Hands off!” The messaging reflected broader themes of protecting democratic institutions and social progress.
Paul Osadebe, a lawyer for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, addressed crowds saying, “Billionaires and oligarchs don’t value anything other than profit and power,” highlighting concerns about the administration’s perceived prioritization of wealth over public welfare.
The demonstrations drew support from various groups, including civil rights organizations, labor unions, and LGBTQ+ advocates. While protests reached every state capital, participants also raised specific concerns about Elon Musk’s role in government efficiency and the potential impact on federal jobs.
The “Hands Off!” slogan became a unifying cry across different causes, with protesters adapting it to address various concerns about governmental intervention in personal freedoms and rights. The movement’s broad geographical reach demonstrated widespread opposition to current policies, though not matching the scale of the 2017 Women’s March.
Organizers say they plan to continue mobilizing supporters and working with advocacy groups to influence policy changes, particularly regarding government downsizing and social service protection.