On Saturday, over 1,400 protests are anticipated across all 50 states in the United States. These demonstrations are organized by a pro-democracy movement in response to what the organizers describe as a “hostile takeover” that threatens American rights and freedoms. Dubbed the “Hands Off!” mass-action protests, these events will occur at state capitols, federal buildings, congressional offices, Social Security headquarters, parks, and city halls nationwide—anywhere that participants can ensure their voices are heard.
The event flyers emphasize the diverse motivations driving participants: “Whether you are mobilized by the attacks on our democracy, the slashing of jobs, the invasion of privacy, or the assault on our services – this moment is for you.” The goal is clear: to create a massive and visible rejection of the current crisis in American governance. According to organizers, nearly 600,000 people have registered to attend these significant events, which are also expected to extend to other countries.
This movement is led by Indivisible, in collaboration with a nationwide coalition comprising civil rights organizations, veterans, women’s rights groups, labor unions, and LGBTQ+ advocates. Together, they are united in three central demands: an end to the billionaire takeover and rampant corruption of the Trump administration; halting the cuts to federal funding for essential programs like Medicaid and Social Security; and stopping the ongoing attacks on immigrants, transgender individuals, and other vulnerable communities.
CNN has reached out to the White House for a statement regarding the protests and the ongoing criticisms directed towards the Trump administration. Since taking office, President Trump has been vocal about his intentions to cut federal spending, often at the expense of crucial services. Thousands of federal workers have faced layoffs and immediate termination notifications as part of what Trump and Elon Musk describe as efforts to cut spending and downsize the federal government.
Elon Musk, currently the world’s richest man, has aggressively pursued policies aimed at reducing government spending while serving as the head of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency. His approach has drawn criticism for misleading the public about federal spending priorities. Musk has notably claimed to have put the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)—an organization that provides vital assistance to some of the world’s poorest populations—“in the wood chipper.” This rhetoric accompanies a broader dismantling of foreign aid programs that support fragile democracies abroad and has resulted in the temporary suspension of federal workers responsible for safeguarding U.S. elections.
The Social Security Administration, which provides monthly benefits to approximately 73 million Americans, is currently facing upheaval following a significant reorganization that included layoffs of thousands of employees. Moreover, the Trump administration has implemented stringent measures to crack down on immigration, exerting pressure on ICE to accelerate migrant arrests and promoting mass deportation plans. This aggressive stance has led to multiple missteps, including the mistaken deportation of a Salvadoran man, raising concerns about the administration's commitment to humane immigration policies.
As the protests unfold, they are expected to send a powerful message about the need to protect democracy and the rights of all Americans in the face of significant political and social challenges.
