“Nationwide ‘Hands Off!’ Protests Erupt Against Trump and Musk”

On Saturday, April 5, 2025, large-scale protests were held across multiple U.S. cities under the unified slogan “Hands Off!” The demonstrations, organized by a coalition of advocacy groups and grassroots organizers, aimed to express widespread concerns over recent federal policy decisions and perceived overreach by corporate entities.

The protests were in response to a range of issues, including changes to federal workforce protections, immigration enforcement measures, and the growing influence of private figures—most notably entrepreneur Elon Musk—in public infrastructure and digital communication platforms.

While specific grievances varied by location, participants consistently voiced apprehension over the consolidation of power among political and corporate leaders. The presence of signs and chants directed at both President Donald Trump and Elon Musk underscored the intersection of government authority and private sector influence as a central theme of the protests.

Crowds gathered in major cities including Washington, D.C., New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Organizers reported attendance in the hundreds of thousands nationwide, though official estimates have yet to be confirmed by local authorities.

Public safety officials in several cities reported peaceful demonstrations with minimal disruptions. Law enforcement agencies noted that they worked with event organizers to ensure safe conditions for participants and the public.

Speakers at rallies emphasized concerns about recent government proposals affecting civil service employment and regulatory oversight. Several advocacy groups also raised alarms over what they described as the privatization of key public services and the role of tech companies in shaping public discourse.

While the White House has not issued an official statement in response to the protests, administration officials have previously defended their policies as necessary reforms aimed at reducing bureaucracy and promoting innovation.

The “Hands Off!” movement appears to be the latest expression of a broader political and cultural debate over the appropriate balance between federal authority, individual rights, and corporate influence in American society.

Article rewritten from one originally posted on NPR.