In a powerful display of public dissent, tens of thousands of Americans rallied across the United States on Saturday in a sweeping “Hands Off” protest against the administration of President Donald Trump and the influence of his top adviser, billionaire Elon Musk. Demonstrators voiced outrage over government overhauls, expanded presidential powers, and deep cuts to federal programs.
Organizers said over 1,200 coordinated protests took place nationwide, making it one of the largest single-day mobilizations against the Trump administration since he began his second term. At the National Mall in Washington, D.C., more than 20,000 people gathered with signs reading “Hands Off Our Democracy,” “No to Autocracy,” and “Musk Out of Government.”
The rallies were sparked by sweeping changes initiated by the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by Musk. The reforms have led to the elimination of over 200,000 federal jobs and sharp reductions in benefits across agencies such as the Internal Revenue Service and the Social Security Administration.
“This is one of the biggest demonstrations we’ve seen since Trump began his second term,” reported Al Jazeera’s Mike Hanna from the National Mall. “The mood is determined, the crowd is diverse, and there’s a strong message of resistance against what many view as authoritarian overreach.”
Ezra Levin, co-founder of the advocacy group Indivisible, told Reuters, “This is an enormous demonstration sending a very clear message to Musk, Trump, and the MAGA-aligned Republicans: Keep your hands off our democracy, our communities, and our values.”
International Solidarity
The protests extended beyond U.S. borders, with American expatriates and international supporters staging rallies in cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt, Paris, and London.
In Paris, around 200 people—mostly U.S. citizens—gathered at Place de la République, waving signs that read “Rule of Law,” “Feminists Against Fascism,” and “Resist Tyrant.”
“We have to show solidarity with all the demonstrations in a thousand cities today in the USA,” said Timothy Kautz, a spokesperson for Democrats Abroad. “Democracy doesn’t stop at the water’s edge.”
White House Responds to Hands Off Protest Movement
In response to the growing protests, the White House defended its actions. Assistant Press Secretary Liz Huston stated, “President Trump’s position is clear: He will always protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries. Meanwhile, Democrats are advocating for benefits to be given to illegal aliens, a move that would bankrupt these programs and hurt American seniors.”
Despite the administration’s reassurances, critics remain unconvinced.
“This is about more than just policy differences,” said a protester in Chicago. “It’s about stopping the erosion of democracy and preserving the institutions that keep America fair and free.”
Broader Coalition of Protesters
The protests also saw participation from pro-Palestinian groups, civil rights activists, and students who opposed the administration’s support for Israel’s renewed military operations in Gaza and the crackdown on U.S. campus protests.
Protest organizers acknowledged that the demonstrations may not result in immediate legislative change, but emphasized their importance in mobilizing public awareness and civic engagement.
“This is a turning point,” Hanna said. “Americans from all walks of life are saying enough is enough.”