Protesters attend a “Hands Off” rally on Saturday to express their opposition to President Trump on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
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People across the United States rallied on Saturday, motivated by various issues but collectively voicing their dissent against the Trump administration, uniting under the slogan: “Hands off.”
According to organizers, over 1,300 “Hands Off” rallies of diverse scales occurred on that day.
Since the inauguration of President Trump in January, a range of protests have emerged against his administration’s strategies and actions — from the mass unemployment of federal employees to immigration enforcement actions and the engagement of billionaire Elon Musk in government affairs.
The protests on Saturday were notable for their scale, representing the largest demonstration of Trump’s second term so far.
“There are numerous concerns,” commented Kelley Laird from Rockville, Maryland, who participated in a rally in Washington, D.C. “They’re attacking education, health care, the arts, and the media.”
In Boston, crowds gathered to oppose federal budget cuts to research funding and voice their discontent over the apprehension of Rümeysa Öztürk, a doctoral student from Tufts University, who was reportedly detained by plainclothes federal agents, as reported by WBUR.
In Sylva, North Carolina, over 300 individuals united to contest reductions in national park funding, educational initiatives, and veterans’ services, as indicated by BPR News. In Portland, Oregon, thousands protested against what they labeled an “illegal, billionaire power grab” orchestrated by Trump and Musk, according to OPB.
Demonstrators assemble on Boston Common for the nationwide “Hands Off” protests against President Trump and Elon Musk.
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In Washington, D.C., thousands gathered near the Washington Monument, holding signs advocating for reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, Social Security, veterans’ benefits, and opposing tariffs.
Laird and her neighbors established a group chat following Trump’s inauguration, named “Sisters of the Resistance,” to coordinate attendance at protests and offer mutual support.
“We must build a community to uplift one another because we need to be in this for the long haul,” expressed Emily Peck, the creator of the group chat.
Protesters listen to speakers at a “Hands Off” rally against President Trump near the Washington Monument in D.C. on Saturday.
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Many participants expressed a strong sense of obligation to attend, prompted by ongoing concerns.
“This is my first attempt at regularly participating,” stated Patty Kim, a retired federal employee who joined the D.C. rally with her husband. “I felt overwhelmed and immobilized by the multitude of issues undermining human rights and the core values of our nation that I cherish, prompting me to take action.”
A demonstrator dressed as the fictional character Waldo participates in the “Hands Off” protest against the Trump administration on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
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Al and Bev Mirmelstein were part of a bus convoy heading to the D.C. rally from Charlottesville, Virginia, organized by Indivisible Charlottesville. At the gathering, they held signs proclaiming: “Hands off our Constitution, rule of law, Social Security, free speech, health care,” and “Save our democracy.”
They shared experiences of participating in multiple protests back home, including one against a new Tesla storefront. Now 77, they articulated a sense of missed opportunity during the Vietnam War and their commitment to activism today.
“I didn’t engage at the time, and I feel like I need to make up for that now,” remarked Al.
