Opponents of US President Donald Trump and his billionaire adviser, Elon Musk, are coming together for “Hands Off” rallies across the United States. These protests aim to oppose the administration’s plans for government overhaul and the extension of presidential power. More than 1,200 rallies are anticipated, making them the largest single-day mobilization against the recent initiatives introduced by the administration.

The protests take place in various locations, including the National Mall in Washington, D.C. where over 20,000 people are expected. Protesters express their dissatisfaction with the administration’s extensive executive actions and the restructuring led by Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The reforms have resulted in the elimination of more than 200,000 federal positions and significant reductions in benefits, especially within the Internal Revenue Service and Social Security Administration.

Al Jazeera’s Mike Hanna reports from Washington, D.C. that the crowd’s diverse composition reflects the growing frustration among Americans. While the protests may not lead to immediate change, they serve as an important moment to demonstrate opposition to Trump’s policies.

Internationally, American expatriates and local supporters gather in cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, Paris, and London. In Paris, approximately 200 demonstrators, mostly Americans, gather at Place de la Republique displaying anti-Trump messages.

The importance of global solidarity is emphasized by Timothy Kautz, a spokesperson for Democrats Abroad. He explains that showing solidarity with demonstrations in the USA is crucial. Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, one of the organizing groups, adds that the protests send a clear message to Musk, Trump, congressional Republicans, and their supporters that Americans do not want their hands on democracy, communities, schools, friends, and neighbors.

However, the White House defends the administration’s actions, stating that President Trump will always protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries. In contrast, they claim that the Democrats’ stance of providing benefits to undocumented individuals will bankrupt these programs and harm American seniors.

Additionally, pro-Palestinian groups join the Washington demonstrations to protest against the US administration’s support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza and the crackdown on campus protests.

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/5/hands-off-protesters-rally-across-us-to-oppose-trumps-policies?traffic_source=rss