Opponents of President Donald Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk are gearing up for mass protests across the United States on Saturday, April 5, with rallies set to target the Trump administration’s policies on government downsizing, economic inequality, and human rights. The protests, dubbed the “Hands Off!” rallies, will also focus on Musk’s involvement in these policy changes.
The demonstrations, coordinated by over 150 civil rights, labor, and social justice groups, are expected to take place in more than 1,200 locations across all 50 states, including state capitals, federal buildings, congressional offices, and city centers. Organizers have claimed that nearly 400,000 people have signed up to attend, with significant turnout anticipated in Washington, D.C., where over 12,000 protesters are expected at the National Mall.
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The movement is driven by opposition to what they view as a “billionaire takeover” of the government, with key demands including halting cuts to Social Security and Medicare, protecting vulnerable communities, and reversing the downsizing of federal agencies. Protesters are also taking issue with the administration’s efforts to reduce government spending by firing thousands of federal workers and cutting essential public services, policies they argue disproportionately affect vulnerable groups such as immigrants, transgender individuals, and low-income communities.
While President Trump defends these cuts as part of his push for fiscal responsibility, critics argue that they represent a direct attack on critical services millions of Americans rely on. Musk, as head of the newly established Department of Government Efficiency, has faced criticism for his role in these downsizing efforts, with detractors claiming that his policies prioritize big business over ordinary Americans.
The protests, expected to draw large crowds, will serve as the largest nationwide mobilization since Trump’s second term began in January. Organizers have vowed to continue pushing for change and raising awareness about the impact of these policies, emphasizing that the protests will be nonviolent but resolute in their demands for change.
