On April 5, 2025, “Hands Off!” protests took the nation by storm. With over 600 events planned across all 50 states, these peaceful protests had a tremendous attendance, with people lining up around the globe, from Puerto Rico to New York City.
The “Hands Off!” protests serve as a direct response to President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, as well as the policies that they have passed in the first two months of the administration, from the abolishment of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) initiatives to cuts in federal funding.
Approximately 500,000 people RSVP’d for the event and gathered in protest in both major cities and small towns. Notably, Washington D.C. had a turnout of 20,000 people, making it the largest one-day nationwide display of public resistance.
These protests are strategically being held the weekend before the SAVE Act will likely be voted on in Congress, which many warned will make it harder for women and minorities to register to vote. They’re also being held right after the stock market plunged as a result of Trump’s tariffs on April 1.
The mission statement is detailed on the official “Hands Off!” website. “They’re dismantling our country. They’re looting our government. And they think we’ll just watch. This is a nationwide mobilization to stop the most brazen power grab in modern history. Trump, Musk, and their billionaire cronies are orchestrating an all-out assault on our government, our economy, and our basic rights — enabled by Congress every step of the way. If we don’t fight now, there won’t be anything left to save,” it reads.
“Hands Off!” also stresses that they are a non-violent protest movement. “We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values, and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events,” the website reads.
These protests were created and led by a coalition of organizations, including civil rights organizations, veterans, women’s rights groups, labor unions and LGBTQ+ advocates such as Third Act, Reproductive Freedom for All and the 50501 Movement.
Protestors march with signs referencing a wide range of the administration’s policies, including the recently imposed global tariffs, Musk’s financial cuts to government agencies and the federal workforce, immigration raids and democratic backsliding. The protests remain ongoing, with goals such as the impeachment of Donald Trump and the removal of Elon Musk from office.
In Europe, protests are also being held by an organization called “Democrats Abroad” in Berlin, Frankfurt, Paris, Lisbon and London. According to The Detroit Free Press, there were 55 demonstrations in Michigan alone, including Detroit, Lansing, Novi, Troy and Ferndale.
Those who can’t physically attend protests are voicing their support on social media. A gigantic inflatable Trump amongst clever signs has gone viral. Some of the most popular signs include, “You can’t spell hatred without red hat,” “Make American Broke Again” and “But it was the Gulf of Mexico at birth!”
As expected, the movement has gained both praise and criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. “Pointless protesting annoys me. All folks had to do was show up for Harris five months ago,” a viral post on X reads.
As far as the future of the organization, a spokesperson for “Hands Off!” told Newsweek, “This fight is just beginning, and we’re mobilizing to jumpstart the opposition. We are not going to preview actions in the future nor discuss any plans at this time.”
If you are interested in attending events or supporting the organization, visit their official website, handsoff2025.com.
