Millions of protesters took to the streets across the United States and around the world on April 5, 2025, under the banner of the “Hands Off!” movement.
The protests targeted President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, accusing them of undermining democracy and human rights through controversial policies and actions.
Organized by civil rights groups, the demonstrations spanned over 1,400 locations nationwide, with participants demanding an end to billionaire power grabs, corruption, and funding cuts to essential programs like Medicaid and Social Security. Protesters also voiced their opposition to attacks on marginalized communities, including immigrants and transgender individuals.
Prominent figures such as Rep. Jamie Raskin, Rep. Ilhan Omar, and Rep. Maxwell Frost delivered impassioned speeches, urging citizens to protect democracy and social services. Union leaders joined the chorus, criticizing the administration’s efforts to weaken public services and collective bargaining rights.
The Trump administration’s policies, including federal spending cuts, layoffs, increased migrant arrests, and the restructuring of federal agencies, have drawn sharp criticism. Elon Musk’s role in downsizing foreign aid programs and federal services has also sparked global concern over the implications for democracy and social stability.
As the Hands Off! movement gains momentum, it remains to be seen how the administration will respond to the growing calls for justice and reform.
