Protesters tee off against Trump and Musk in “Hands Off!” rallies across the U.S.
Yiannis Damellos
It's the end of the week and opponents of Trump and Musk rally across the U.S. to protest the administration’s actions on government downsizing, the state of the economy, human rights violations, and cutting federal funding for health programs and cancer research.
Only this Saturday, over 1,200 “Hands Off!” demonstrations were organized by more than 150 groups, comprising civil rights organizations, labor unions, LBGTQ+ advocates, veterans, and elections activists. Protest sites included the National Mall in Washington, D.C., state capitols, and various locations in all 50 states.
The protesters criticized the Trump administration for firing federal workers, closing Social Security Administration field offices, shutting down entire agencies, deporting immigrants, reducing protections for transgender individuals, and cutting federal funding for health programs and cancer research.
America's anger is directed at Elon Musk, who is spearheading government downsizing as the leader of the Department of Government Efficiency. He asserts that his actions will save taxpayers significant funds. However, it is widely believed that Trump is seeking additional funds to prolong his favored tax cuts for his billionaire buddies, set to expire in 2025.
Speaking at the Washington protest, Paul Osadebe, a lawyer at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and a labor union steward, condemned Trump, Musk, and others in the administration for undervaluing the work of federal employees in establishing “a foundation of economic security and empowerment for working individuals.”
In Massachusetts, thousands gathered on Boston Common with signs expressing sentiments such as “Hands off our democracy,” “Hands off our Social Security,” and “Diversity, equity, inclusion makes America strong. Hands off!” In Ohio, hundreds rallied in rainy conditions at the Statehouse in Columbus.
Roger Broom, a retiree from Delaware County, Ohio, voiced his disillusionment with Trump at the Columbus rally, stating, “He’s tearing this country apart. It’s just an administration of grievances.”
Protests also took place in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, near Trump’s golf course in Jupiter, where he participated in the club’s Senior Club Championship. Demonstrators lined PGA Drive, urging vehicles to honk and chanting anti-Trump slogans.
Archer Moran from Port St. Lucie, Florida, emphasized the importance of protecting Social Security and criticized the administration's actions.
When asked about the protests, the White House reiterated President Trump’s commitment to safeguarding Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries adding that the President is scheduled to go golfing again on Sunday.
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