Hundreds of thousands of protesters flooded streets across the United States and abroad on Saturday in the largest coordinated resistance against President Donald Trump since his return to office. The “Hands Off!” campaign, led by over 150 advocacy groups, sparked more than 1,200 demonstrations, drawing crowds from Washington D.C. to London, Mexico City, Berlin, and even Alaska.
A Multitude of Grievances
Protesters voiced anger over mass federal layoffs, abortion restrictions, rising tariffs, and the gutting of public services. From Anchorage to Atlanta, marchers held signs reading “I’m tariffied. Are you?” and “Get out of my uterus.” The rally drew attention to the Internal Revenue Service’s recent layoff of over 20,000 workers, and growing fears that the administration’s economic policies could spark a recession.
Musk and DOGE in the Spotlight
Elon Musk, head of the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), became a focal point of the demonstrations. Accused of enabling sweeping cuts in government jobs and agencies, Musk faced growing criticism for his role in implementing what many called “economic lunacy.” Protesters decried the collapsing social safety net and erosion of public institutions.
Grassroots Reawakened
Organizers estimate that over 600,000 participated in the protests, with 20,000 gathering in Atlanta alone and nearly 20 blocks of protesters seen in Manhattan. Veteran civil rights activist Graylan Hagler declared, “They’ve woken up a sleeping giant… we will not sit down, we will not be quiet, and we will not go away.”
Unified Voices Across Borders
In London, US-British dual citizen Liz Chamberlin said, “What’s happening in America is everyone’s problem.” Protesters echoed concerns over Trump’s global impact, particularly regarding trade and democratic values. In Boston, Mayor Michelle Wu declared, “I refuse to accept that my children could grow up in a world where immigrants like their grandma are presumed criminals.”
Official Silence, Public Fury
Despite the massive turnout, the White House dismissed the protests. Assistant press secretary Liz Huston reaffirmed Trump’s commitment to entitlements for “eligible beneficiaries,” while blaming Democrats for wanting to extend benefits to undocumented immigrants.
Conclusion
As the Trump administration pushes forward with a sweeping transformation of the federal government, Saturday’s protests signal a powerful and potentially enduring backlash—one that could redefine American resistance in the years to come.
