Protesters Across the U.S. Rally Against Trump and Musk

P
eople across the United States united on Saturday, April 5, to participate in the nationwide “Hands Off!” protests, showcasing their opposition to the policies of President Donald Trump and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

During the early weeks of Trump’s presidency, the administration and Musk focused on efforts to “reduce waste” through extensive government layoffs and the cancellation of contracts, even considering the dismantling of the Department of Education.

Across the globe, cities joined in solidarity for their own Hands Off! demonstrations, with various grassroots organizations emphasizing issues like LGBTQ+ rights, immigrant rights, and climate action.

At the rally in Washington D.C. on the National Mall, one woman held a sign that boldly proclaimed, “Stop Destroying America.”

In light of the April 5 protests, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt remarked to USA TODAY, “Anyone who believes that protests, lawsuits, and legal challenges will dissuade President Trump must have been living under a rock for the past several years. President Trump remains committed to fulfilling his promises to enhance efficiency and accountability within our federal government for the hardworking American taxpayers who overwhelmingly supported his re-election.”

TIME has reached out to the White House for their response.

A toolkit was created for those who wanted to organize their own marches, stating that the protest aimed to express a “massive, visible, national rejection of this crisis.” The timing was critical, as the U.S. stock market had significantly dropped following Trump’s recent tariffs announced on April 2, a day he referred to as “Liberation Day.”

“Whether you are driven by the threats to our democracy, job losses, privacy violations, or attacks on public services—this moment is for you,” the toolkit stated. “Our objective is to demonstrate that the people—the majority—are mobilizing to combat corruption and power grabs.”

The protest’s demands included a call to halt the “billionaire takeover” within the Trump Administration and to cease funding cuts to Medicaid, Social Security, and other vital programs, as well as an end to the attacks on immigrants, transgender individuals, and other marginalized communities.