Updated April 7, 2025, 10:00 a.m.
Mass protests unfolded across all 50 states and around the globe on Saturday, as tens of thousands rallied against what organizers describe as a “hostile takeover” by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. The demonstrations, part of a coordinated effort led by a pro-democracy movement, called attention to perceived threats to American rights and freedoms.
Over 1,400 “Hands Off!” events took place at locations ranging from state capitols and federal buildings to city parks and congressional offices — any space where demonstrators hoped to make their voices heard. The central message: stop what they call a billionaire-fueled power grab.
“This is for anyone outraged by attacks on democracy, job cuts, privacy violations, or the dismantling of essential public services,” read promotional materials for the event. “We’re uniting to send a loud, national message: we reject this crisis.”
According to Indivisible — one of the main groups behind the protests — nearly 600,000 people signed up to participate. Demonstrations were also reported in international cities like London and Paris. The movement is backed by a broad coalition of civil rights groups, labor unions, veterans, LGBTQ+ advocates, and women’s rights organizations.
The movement is centered around three core demands:
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End the billionaire takeover and corruption linked to the Trump administration.
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Protect funding for key programs like Medicaid and Social Security.
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Halt attacks targeting immigrants, transgender individuals, and other marginalized communities.
