On April 5, 2025, the “Hands Off!” protests emerged as a globally coordinated movement opposing President Donald Trump and Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) head Elon Musk. These demonstrations were organized by various advocacy groups, including Indivisible and MoveOn, and took place in over 1,200 locations worldwide, encompassing all 50 U.S. states and international cities such as London, Paris, Berlin, and Stockholm.
Protesters voiced strong opposition to the administration’s aggressive cost-cutting measures, which included mass layoffs of federal workers, termination of contracts, and attempts to dismantle the Department of Education. Additionally, concerns were raised about attacks on LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights, climate policy rollbacks, and defunding of essential social services like Medicaid and Social Security.
In Washington, D.C., tens of thousands gathered on the National Mall, chanting slogans against Musk’s cuts and expressing fears over the impact of his influence on public institutions and economic stability. Notable speakers, including Rev. William Barber II and Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), denounced the administration’s policies and perceived authoritarianism.
The protests were not confined to traditionally liberal areas; significant turnouts were reported in pro-Trump regions such as Fayetteville, West Virginia, and Cookeville, Tennessee, indicating widespread dissent. Demonstrators emphasized the need to protect vulnerable communities and public services, rejecting what organizers described as a crisis of corruption and centralization of power.
Despite the protests and the economic downturn following new tariffs, the White House affirmed President Trump’s commitment to his agenda. Elon Musk criticized the protests on social media, suggesting they were orchestrated by other billionaires.
The “Hands Off!” movement represents a significant moment of global solidarity, uniting diverse groups in opposition to policies perceived as detrimental to democracy, social welfare, and civil liberties.
By BHARAT GLOBAL TIME
