Thousands rally under Hands Off to oppose Trump and Musk policies

Protesters voiced concern over Trump and Musk policies affecting federal jobs, healthcare, transgender rights, and immigration, while also criticizing Elon Musk’s growing influence as head of the new Department of Government Efficiency

In a massive show of dissent, tens of thousands of Americans took to the streets on Saturday (April 5) in a sweeping nationwide protest aimed at the Trump administration and what many see as the rising influence of corporate leaders in government.

Dubbed the Hands Off Protest, the event spanned all 50 states and over 1,200 cities and towns. Organized by a wide coalition of over 150 advocacy groups — including civil rights organizations, labour unions, LGBTQ+ advocates, and immigration reform bodies — the demonstrations voiced opposition to what critics call regressive governance and unchecked corporate interference.

Central to the protesters’ concerns were Trump and Musk policies targeting federal workers, healthcare funding, transgender rights, and immigrant protections. Many also raised alarm over the growing role of Elon Musk, who heads the newly established Department of Government Efficiency and is considered a close adviser to President Trump.

Protesters decry policy and power

In Washington D.C., thousands rallied near the National Mall, waving placards that read “Hands Off Our Rights” and “Democracy, Not Corporatocracy.” Addressing the crowd, Human Rights Campaign president Kelley Robinson called the moment a “critical point in America’s democratic journey,” adding that the policies in question “hurt real people, not just party lines.”

In Boston, demonstrators gathered at Boston Common, where Mayor Michelle Wu expressed concern over cuts to public programs like Social Security and Medicare. “Our communities should not have to live in fear of policy shifts that jeopardize their health, safety, and future,” she said.

Seattle saw some of the most vocal demonstrations, with protesters decrying mass federal layoffs and what they called an “oligarchic drift” in American politics. Social media platforms played a key role in mobilizing support, showcasing once again the powerful intersection of social media and protest movements in shaping public action.

White House defends amid protests

A targeted protest against Trump and Musk also unfolded outside the White House, where activists accused the administration of undermining democratic institutions in favour of efficiency-driven governance that sidelines human impact.

The White House responded late that day, reiterating its commitment to preserving Medicare and Social Security, while accusing critics of distorting policy intentions.