Press Article:
Protesters Gather Across the Nation in Hands Off! Demonstrations Against Trump and Musk
Protesters took to the streets in more than 1,200 locations across all 50 states on Saturday for Hands Off! demonstrations against President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk. Organized by over 150 groups, including civil rights organizations, labor unions, LGBTQ+ advocates, veterans, and elections activists, the rallies remained peaceful with no immediate reports of arrests.
Thousands of demonstrators denounced Trump and Musk’s actions on government downsizing, the economy, immigration, and human rights in cities spanning from New York to Anchorage, Alaska. In Portland, Oregon, and Los Angeles, protesters chanted and marched through the streets, holding signs with slogans like “Fight the oligarchy.”
Concerns were raised over the administration’s moves to fire federal workers, close Social Security Administration offices, deport immigrants, cut health program funding, and diminish protections for transgender individuals. Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency, defended the downsizing, claiming to save taxpayers billions.
Kelley Robinson of the Human Rights Campaign criticized the administration’s treatment of the LGBTQ+ community, while Mayor Michelle Wu of Boston emphasized the importance of democracy, social security, and diversity. Retirees, former Republicans, and everyday citizens joined the demonstrations to voice their opposition to the administration’s policies.
The White House responded to the protests by reassuring protection for Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid beneficiaries and criticizing Democrats for wanting to extend benefits to illegal immigrants. Similar demonstrations have taken place against Trump and Musk in the past, but Saturday’s Hands Off! rallies marked a significant nationwide mobilization against the current administration.
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