Nationwide ‘Hands Off’ Rallies Protest Trump Administration Policies

On April 5, 2025, tens of thousands of protesters gathered in over 1,200 cities and towns across the United States to participate in “Hands Off” rallies, voicing opposition to the Trump administration’s recent policies and federal budget cuts.

In Washington, D.C., more than 100,000 demonstrators assembled on the National Mall despite inclement weather.Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) addressed the crowd, criticizing the administration’s actions, including the implementation of widespread tariffs. He stated, “Their tariffs are not only imbecilic — they’re illegal, they’re unconstitutional, and we’re going to turn this around.”

Attendees expressed deep concerns about the nation’s economic future and the well-being of subsequent generations.Cindy Prusik, a participant from D.C., shared her apprehensions: “I don’t sleep well. I’m scared. We’ve got money we’ve saved all of our lives, our retirement — it’s not going to be there.”

The protests also targeted Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency, for his role in implementing significant government downsizing measures. Paul Osadebe, a lawyer for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, revealed that he had been offered a buyout as part of these cuts. He remarked, “We’re seeing that they don’t care who they have to destroy or who they have to hurt to get what they want.”

Similar demonstrations occurred nationwide. In Boston, organizers accused the federal administration of overreach, stating, “The federal administration thinks this country belongs to them — and that they’re above the law.”

The “Hands Off” rallies underscore a growing national dissent against policies perceived to undermine democratic institutions and social welfare programs.