Massive ‘Hands Off!’ Protests Sweep Across U.S. and Abroad Against Trump Administration

Autumn Li—April 7, 2025385

WASHINGTON D.C. – Millions of demonstrators converged in cities across the United States and in some locations overseas on Saturday, April 5th, 2025, marking the largest wave of protests seen since President Trump’s return to the White House. Operating under the unified banner of “Hands Off!”, the nationwide movement saw participants voice broad opposition to the current administration’s policies and actions.

Organizers reported a turnout that surpassed initial expectations, with over a million individuals participating in more than 1,400 separate events held across all 50 U.S. states. The sheer scale and geographic breadth of the demonstrations underscored a significant level of public engagement and dissent.

Epicenters of Dissent

Major urban centers became focal points for the protests, drawing tens of thousands to their streets. Notable demonstrations occurred in Washington, D.C., New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Denver, Boston, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. These cities, representing diverse regions of the country, hosted large-scale rallies, marches, and gatherings, amplifying the “Hands Off!” message.

The protest in Washington, D.C., near the symbolic heart of American political power, featured prominent speakers who articulated the movement’s core grievances.

Voices from the Podium

Among those addressing the crowds in the capital was Democratic Congressmember Ilhan Omar of Minnesota. In her remarks, Congressmember Omar was quoted stating that President Trump “wants to be a dictator” and emphatically declared that American democracy “is not for sale.” Her comments highlighted concerns among critics regarding the President’s approach to governance and democratic norms.

Also speaking in Washington, D.C. was Anu Joshi of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Joshi drew attention to specific actions taken by government agencies, criticizing what she described as the “unconscionable and unconstitutional arrests of international students and scholars” carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to Joshi, these arrests were acts of retaliation for protected speech, raising alarms about potential infringements on civil liberties and academic freedom.

These speeches provided insight into some of the diverse motivations driving participation in the “Hands Off!” protests, ranging from concerns about democratic institutions to issues of immigration and civil rights.

Related Demonstrations

In addition to the primary “Hands Off!” events, Saturday, April 5th, 2025, also saw other demonstrations occurring concurrently. In Washington, D.C., a separate rally took place under the banner of “Stop the Genocide.” This gathering specifically protested the United States’ continued support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza, reflecting a distinct but related set of international concerns present within the broader landscape of public protest.

Presidential Whereabouts

While millions protested across the country and overseas, President Trump was reportedly in Florida during the weekend. News reports indicated that the President was golfing, a detail that stood in contrast to the widespread public demonstrations occurring simultaneously.

The nationwide “Hands Off!” protests represent a significant manifestation of political opposition, mobilizing diverse groups across various states and cities. The high turnout and the coordinated nature of the events underscore the depth of feeling among a segment of the population regarding the direction of the country under the current administration. The demonstrations on Saturday, April 5th, 2025, are expected to be analyzed for their potential impact on the political landscape and future discourse.