Massive “Hands Off!” protests erupt across all 50 US states and globally, denouncing President Trump and Elon Musk’s policies targeting democracy and public services.
 |
| Mass demonstrations across all U.S. states and global capitals denounce Trump and Musk’s power grab, deep federal cuts, and suppression of democratic freedoms. Image Courtesy: CNN0 |
Washington, USA – April 6, 2025:
Millions of demonstrators rallied across all 50 U.S. states and major cities worldwide on Saturday in a powerful show of resistance against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, in what organizers called a coordinated response to an unprecedented "hostile takeover" of American democracy.
Dubbed “Hands Off!”, the movement staged over 1,400 protests at landmarks ranging from state capitols to city halls and federal offices. The protests were spearheaded by a coalition of civil rights groups, labor unions, and pro-democracy organizations, drawing nearly 600,000 participants and spreading to global cities such as London and Paris.
“Whether you’re outraged by attacks on democracy, the slashing of jobs, surveillance, or erosion of basic services — this is your moment,” read the movement’s official flyer. The central demands included halting what organizers describe as a “billionaire takeover,” reversing deep federal funding cuts, and ending assaults on immigrants and marginalized communities.
In Washington, D.C., the protest drew thousands to the National Mall, where lawmakers including Rep. Jamie Raskin and Rep. Ilhan Omar gave impassioned speeches. “No moral person wants a dictator who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing,” said Raskin. Omar called on Americans to “fight for a future where we care for our neighbours, protect the poor, and uphold justice.”
At the heart of the protests is mounting concern over Trump and Musk’s joint push to slash federal agencies. Musk, leading the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, has boasted of gutting USAID and triggering mass layoffs. Over 120,000 federal workers have been dismissed so far, while key services such as Social Security and election protection have been destabilized.
In Lafayette, Indiana, a tense moment unfolded when a man retrieved a firearm during a confrontation with protesters. No shots were fired, and police later released him, saying no one was directly threatened.
The protests also spotlighted labor unrest, with union leaders slamming the administration’s crackdown on collective bargaining. “This is the biggest assault on federal workers and unions we’ve ever seen,” said Everett Kelley of AFGE, as legal challenges mount in federal courts.
The administration’s sweeping anti-immigration policies and denial of climate change science have further galvanized opposition. Rep. Maxwell Frost accused Trump and Musk of scapegoating vulnerable communities while dismantling public education and environmental protections. “They’re poisoning our planet and turning a blind eye to gun violence while criminalizing dissent,” he warned.
Meanwhile, the recent arrest of Palestinian refugee Mahmoud Khalil — allegedly over his participation in campus protests — has intensified fears over the erosion of constitutional rights.
Organizers said the protests mark only the beginning of sustained nationwide resistance. “This administration is targeting everyone who isn’t part of the 1%,” read a statement from the Hands Off! movement. “But we are louder. We are many. And we are not backing down.”