Over 1,200 protests are being staged across the United States on Saturday, marking what organizers call the largest single-day demonstration against President Donald Trump and his close ally, billionaire Elon Musk, since Trump’s return to office.
Dubbed the “Hands Off!” protests, the nationwide movement spans all 50 states and several countries including Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Mexico, and Portugal. The demonstrations aim to push back against what critics describe as Trump’s aggressive use of executive power to reshape domestic and foreign policies.
“This is an enormous demonstration sending a clear message to Trump, Musk, and MAGA allies that we don’t want their hands on our democracy,” said Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, one of the lead organizing groups.
The protests are fueled by concerns over Trump’s alignment with Project 2025—a hardline conservative agenda focused on centralizing presidential power and overhauling key government institutions. Supporters, however, praise Trump’s actions as bold moves necessary to dismantle entrenched liberal policies.
White House Assistant Press Secretary Liz Huston dismissed claims that Trump plans to cut Social Security or Medicaid. “President Trump will always protect these programs for eligible Americans,” she stated, accusing Democrats of trying to give those benefits to undocumented immigrants.
Saturday’s demonstrations also include pro-Palestinian groups who have condemned U.S. support for Israel’s actions in Gaza and Trump’s crackdown on student protests, adding another layer of tension to the day’s events.
A major rally is expected on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., as activists seek to amplify their opposition to what they see as an erosion of democratic norms under the Trump administration.
