Washington, D.C.: A wave of coordinated protests swept across the United States on Saturday, as demonstrators rallied under the banner “Hands Off!” to voice their opposition to a series of controversial government policies enacted under President Donald Trump’s second administration and influenced by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk.
Organisers said over 1,200 demonstrations took place nationwide, with events staged on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., at state capitols, and in cities and towns across all 50 states. The protest movement, backed by more than 150 civil society organisations—including civil rights groups, trade unions, LGBTQ+ advocates, veterans’ associations, and electoral reform campaigners—sought to send a clear message against what they describe as aggressive rollbacks of key government functions and human rights protections.
The White House did not respond to media requests for comment. President Trump has repeatedly defended his administration’s reforms, stating that they are in the “best interest of the American people” and aimed at cutting waste, boosting efficiency, and protecting national interests.
But critics argue that these sweeping changes come at too high a cost. Protesters condemned recent decisions by the Trump administration to terminate thousands of federal employees, close Social Security field offices, and reduce funding for vital healthcare and social welfare programmes. Additional anger has been sparked by policies affecting immigrant communities and transgender individuals, with many citing discriminatory overtones and systemic marginalisation.
The involvement of Elon Musk, head of Tesla, SpaceX, and owner of the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), has also drawn ire. Appointed to lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency, Musk has taken centre stage in the administration’s drive to “streamline” federal agencies. While Musk claims his efforts have saved taxpayers billions, opponents view his influence as dangerous overreach by a private industrialist into the public sphere.
“Government shouldn’t be a tech billionaire’s pet project,” said Carmen Ellis, a protest organiser in Austin, Texas. “We didn’t elect Elon Musk, yet he’s playing a decisive role in the fate of millions of Americans who rely on public services.”
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The protests included a wide cross-section of society. In Chicago, union members marched alongside climate activists. In Atlanta, veterans joined hands with students. In Los Angeles, trans rights advocates held vigils for those impacted by the rollback of federal protections. Placards carried slogans such as “Hands Off Our Rights”, “Stop the Cuts”, and “This Is Our Government, Not Yours!”
This isn’t the first time protests have erupted in response to actions by either Trump or Musk. However, despite multiple flare-ups of resistance since Trump’s return to office in January, the opposition has so far struggled to match the scale of earlier mass movements, such as the 2017 Women’s March or the Black Lives Matter demonstrations of 2020. Organisers say they hope Saturday’s events will change that.
“We are building something bigger,” said Lydia Chen, a spokesperson for the Hands Off! coalition. “Today is about unity, about reclaiming our democracy from those who would sell it off to the highest bidder. It’s a stand for compassion, justice, and human dignity.”
Though the demonstrations remained largely peaceful, some reports emerged of scuffles in isolated locations, particularly where counter-protesters gathered in support of Trump’s policies. Law enforcement agencies reported minimal arrests and described the day as “orderly, with high levels of civic engagement.”
Whether Saturday’s show of force can spark a broader movement remains to be seen. But organisers say they are committed to maintaining momentum through further demonstrations, lobbying efforts, and grassroots organising in the months ahead.
As one banner unfurled on the Capitol steps read: “We the People means ALL the people.”
