On Saturday, crowds gathered in major cities across the United States as part of the "Hands Off" movement, demonstrating their dissatisfaction with President Trump’s administration, in what is being described as the largest nationwide protest since he took office in January. Protesters organized rallies in approximately 1,200 locations nationwide, spanning all 50 states, and also extended their efforts to cities abroad, including London, Paris, and Berlin.
The protests were ignited by a host of grievances, including the president's recent imposition of global import tariffs, as well as immigration policies affecting students from diverse backgrounds. In Boston, law student Katie Smith articulated her concerns over the deportation of Turkish student Rumeysa Ozturk, stating that the protests are a vital platform to address escalating issues, saying, “You can stand up today or you can be taken later.” Meanwhile, demonstrators in London held signs that mocked Trump's leadership, with slogans like “WTAF America?” and “Stop hurting people.”
In Washington, D.C., thousands gathered to hear fiery speeches from Democratic lawmakers, who criticized the influence of wealthy donors in Trump’s administration, particularly mentioning Elon Musk's role in policy decisions. Florida Congressman Maxwell Frost emphatically proclaimed, “When you steal from the people, expect the people to rise up. At the ballot box and in the streets.”
Protests not only highlighted domestic issues but also criticized changes in U.S. foreign policy, with chants relating to Canada, Greenland, and Ukraine. Such sentiments reflect a growing unrest among citizens, further fueled by declining approval ratings for Trump. Recent polls indicate that only 43% of Americans approve of his leadership, a notable decrease since the commencement of his second term.
Despite the nationwide discontent, the White House released statements defending Trump’s policies, asserting his commitment to protecting essential programs like Social Security and Medicare. Critics, however, remain skeptical about the true impact of these protections amid proposed budget cuts and immigration reforms.
As protests continued across the nation, many demonstrators expressed their resolve and intent to keep the dialogue alive, even as Trump spent the day on the golf course, seemingly unperturbed by the unrest brewing across the country. In St. Paul, Minnesota, protesters even flew an upside-down American flag, a symbol of distress and dissent in their fight for democratic rights.
This surge of activism suggests that the discontent with Trump's leadership may only be growing, potentially setting the stage for an ongoing series of protests as citizens seek to make their voices heard.
