Millions protest Trump & Musk’s power grab in Hands Off rallies across the U.S. demanding justice, rights & protection of democracy.
Nationwide Hands-Off Protests Defend Democracy:
On Saturday, March 29, 2025, citizens of all 50 U.S. states and even foreign nations came together in a strong wave of action to demonstrate against billionaire Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump. Under the slogan Hands Off, the demonstrations made a strong statement: ordinary people resist what they perceive to be a perilous assault on American democracy, public services, and individual liberties.
Protests About:
The Hands Off protests were not just about one issue. They were about many changes and policies that people believe are hurting the country. These include:
- Cutting important programs like Social Security, Medicaid, and public education.
- Targeting minorities, including immigrants, trans people, and the poor.
- Spreading authoritarian ideas and limiting people’s rights.
- Helping billionaires while regular people suffer.
The organizers say the Trump administration and Elon Musk are leading a “billionaire takeover,” and they want to stop this power grab before it’s too late.
Protests Erupt Coast to Coast:
There were over 1,400 protests in places like:
- State Capitol buildings
- City parks and halls
- Social Security offices
- Federal buildings
- Even major cities like London and Paris joined the movement.
Nearly 600,000 people signed up to attend, and the organizers believe millions may have shown up altogether. The goal is heard loud and clear and to demand change.
Protesters Demand Justice and Rights:
Protesters listed three main demands:
- Stop the billionaire power grab and government corruption.
- Protect federal programs that help working people.
- End attacks on immigrants, trans people, and other vulnerable communities.
Many people feel that the current political direction is dangerous and unfair. They say decisions are being made to help the rich, while everyone else is being ignored or harmed.
Voices from the Capitol:
In Washington, DC, the nation’s capital, thousands gathered at the Washington Monument. They held signs that read “Hands Off Our Rights” and “Protect Our Constitution.” Democratic leaders like Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland spoke to the crowd.
Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar also joined and called on Americans to fight for fairness and justice. “If you want a country where we care for each other, you have to stand up for it,” she said. Florida Rep. Maxwell Frost talked about how dangerous authoritarian leaders are. He said they always try to grab more power, and it’s up to the public to stop them. He encouraged people to keep fighting through protests, donations, and political actions.
Protests Across the Country:
People marched peacefully from New York to Los Angeles and all points in between. Protesters in Los Angeles carried signs that read “Hands Off Education” and Resist as they made a one-mile round around City Hall while yelling, “Power to the People.” Tensions increased in Lafayette, Indiana, when a guy pulled a gun from his vehicle during a demonstration.
Fortunately, nobody was harmed. According to the police, he released the handgun after not pointing it at anyone. Many were reminded by this incident of the intensity and gravity of these protests.
Why Are People Angry?
People are frustrated with many decisions being made by Trump and Musk:
- Federal workers are being laid off in large numbers.
- Public services are being cut or reorganized.
- Programs like USAID, which helps feed poor people around the world, are being shut down.
- Election safety staff have been removed, which could hurt fair voting.
- Immigrant communities are facing more deportations.
- Transgender people and other minorities feel more unsafe.
Even climate policies are being reversed, which many believe will cause more pollution and environmental damage. Musk, who now plays a key role in Trump’s administration, has bragged about destroying programs that help the needy. His supporters say he wants to cut government waste, but critics say he’s harming millions.
Battle for Workers’ Rights:
In Washington, DC, two prominent labor union officials also voiced their opinions. They denounced the Trump administration’s efforts to eliminate public sector jobs and restrict union rights. The National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) president, Randy Erwin, referred to the government’s actions as absurd. He remarked, “They claim to want efficiency, but they are acting in the exact opposite way.”
Unions will fight back, according to American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) president Everett Kelley. We will not be quieted. We will demand that our unions and contracts be handed off, he said. To prevent the administration from taking away federal employees rights, both unions have joined a lawsuit.
Wave of Resistance:
This protest was not just about Trump. It was also about Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, who now plays a key role in the U.S. government. Many believe Musk’s role is dangerous because
- He promotes misleading ideas about government spending.
- He cutting programs that help poor and middle-class people.
- He is helping the government become more authoritarian.
People are worried that billionaires like Musk are gaining too much control over government decisions, while regular Americans are losing their voices.
Attacks on Free Speech:
Many are now also worried about freedom of speech. One recent example is the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian refugee. His green card was taken away because he protested at Columbia University. Protesters say this shows that even peaceful speech is no longer safe.“Our communities are paying the price,” organizers wrote. “The billionaires are cashing in, while veterans, seniors, and families suffer.”
Conclusion:
Trump, Musk, and the country as a whole received a strong message from the “Hands Off” demonstrations. Americans will not stand by and watch while their rights are taken away. People are speaking out against attacks on government employees and minorities, as well as cuts to public services. The message is clear, with voices united from coast to coast: keep your hands off our democracy, our rights, and our future.