Washington, D.C. — A significant wave of protests erupted across the United States on Saturday, as opponents of President Trump and his advisor Elon Musk mobilized to express their discontent with the administration’s recent actions affecting government services, human rights, and economic stability.

Protests Uniting Diverse Groups

Organized by over 150 groups, including civil rights organizations, labor unions, LGBTQ+ advocates, and veterans’ associations, more than 1,200 demonstrations labeled “Hands Off!” took place nationwide, from the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to various state capitols, reaching all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Key Issues Highlighted by Protesters

Demonstrators voiced strong opposition to a series of controversial actions taken by the Trump administration, including:

• The dismissal of thousands of federal workers.
• Closure of Social Security Administration offices.
• Reductions in support for immigrant communities.
• Rollbacks on protections for transgender individuals.
• Decreased funding for health-related programs.

Elon Musk’s Role in Government Restructuring

Elon Musk, a prominent billionaire and advisor to Trump, is at the forefront of these initiatives as the head of a White House group he dubs the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. Musk claims that his efforts are designed to save taxpayer dollars, asserting he is cutting costs for federal services.

Voices of Dissent at the Protests

At the protest in Washington, D.C., Paul Osadebe, a lawyer with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and a labor union steward, condemned the administration’s disregard for the essential work performed by federal employees, stating:

“Billionaires and oligarchs don’t value anything other than profit and power, and they sure as hell don’t value you or your life or your community.”

Regional Highlights of the Protests

In Boston, thousands filled Boston Common, brandishing signs calling for “Hands off our democracy” and “Hands off our Social Security.” Meanwhile, in Ohio, protesters braved rainy weather at the Statehouse in Columbus. Roger Broom, a 66-year-old retired resident, expressed his disillusionment with Trump’s leadership, declaring:

“He’s tearing this country apart. It’s just an administration of grievances.”

In Florida, demonstrators gathered in Palm Beach Gardens, near Trump’s golf club, using the event to rally against the president’s actions, with one participant, Archer Moran, emphasizing the need to protect Social Security.

Response from the Trump Administration

In light of the protests, the White House responded, ensuring that President Trump is committed to safeguarding vital social programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid while criticizing opposing political stances as harmful to American seniors:

“President Trump’s position is clear: he will always protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries.”

Ongoing Activism and Future Mobilizations

This series of protests is part of a broader resistance against Trump and Musk that has occurred nationwide since Trump’s return to office, although activists have noted a lack of unified mass mobilization similar to earlier large-scale demonstrations, such as the Women’s March in 2017 and the protests following George Floyd’s murder in 2020.

As the nation anticipates further developments, the fervor among opponents of the administration remains palpable, suggesting that public dissent may continue to shape the political landscape.