More than 500,000 people are expected to take to the streets this Saturday in a series of protests across Washington D.C., Florida, and other locations nationwide. These demonstrations are aimed at opposing former President Donald Trump's perceived "authoritarian overreach" and his "billionaire-backed agenda." Organizers, including the progressive group MoveOn, have dubbed the event "Hands Off" and are collaborating with numerous labor, environmental, and other advocacy organizations.
According to MoveOn, over 1,000 protests are scheduled to occur across the United States, including at various state capitols. Ezra Levin, a founder of Indivisible, highlighted the significance of the event during a recent organizing call, stating, “This is shaping up to be the biggest single-day protest in the last several years of American history.” The largest gathering is anticipated to take place on the National Mall in Washington D.C., where several members of Congress, including Democrats Jamie Raskin from Maryland, Maxwell Frost from Florida, and Ilhan Omar from Minnesota, are slated to address the crowds.
The official protest website emphasizes the urgency of this mobilization, declaring, “This is a nationwide mobilization to stop the most brazen power grab in modern history.” The website further accuses Trump, alongside tech magnate Elon Musk and their affluent allies, of orchestrating an "all-out assault" on the government, economy, and fundamental rights of citizens. The organizers argue that this agenda is facilitated by Congress, which they claim enables these actions at every turn.
Protesters are voicing serious concerns that the current administration aims to dismantle essential services, stating, “They want to strip America for parts—shuttering social security offices, firing essential workers, eliminating consumer protections, and gutting Medicaid—all to bankroll their billionaire tax scam.” They warn that without immediate action, there may be nothing left to salvage as tax dollars, public services, and democracy are handed over to the ultra-rich.
The backdrop to these protests includes a recent decline in the stock market, which plummeted following Trump’s announcement of tariffs on April 1. Despite the economic turmoil, Trump remained defiant, asserting on Friday, “My policies will never change.” According to a recent Reuters poll, Trump's approval rating has fallen to 43%, marking his lowest level since taking office.
As the nation gears up for these protests, the collective voices of the participants will echo a strong message against the policies perceived to undermine the rights and welfare of the American people.
