'Stop the billiannaire coup': Americans fill streets, hold signs, and chant ‘hands off’ in protest of Donald Trump’s policies​

 

Mass Protests Erupt Across US and Europe Against Trump Administration Actions

Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered across the United States and Europe on Saturday to protest against recent moves by the Trump administration, particularly those expanding presidential powers and restructuring key federal institutions. The demonstrations also targeted Elon Musk, the billionaire adviser now leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

More than 1,200 “Hands Off” rallies were organized nationwide, with major events held on the National Mall in Washington, DC, and in every U.S. state. Organizers estimated that over 250,000 people took part, making it one of the largest single-day protests against the administration since Trump began his second term.

In Washington, DC, Al Jazeera correspondent Mike Hanna reported from the scene, noting that protesters were voicing strong opposition to sweeping executive orders and the aggressive government restructuring campaign spearheaded by Musk. Under DOGE's reforms, over 200,000 federal jobs have been eliminated, and key benefits—particularly within the Internal Revenue Service and Social Security Administration—have been slashed.

“This is among the most significant demonstrations we’ve seen during Trump’s second term,” Hanna said. “The diversity of the crowd, spanning generations, speaks to the growing discontent among Americans.” While protesters acknowledged that change may not come overnight, organizers emphasized the importance of showing resistance.

In Chicago, thousands gathered in the city center, many affiliated with labor unions. Reporting from the rally, Al Jazeera’s John Hendren described the crowd as “mostly working-class citizens deeply worried about their livelihoods.” Their message to Trump and Musk was clear: “Hands off.”

New York’s Bryant Park also saw large crowds holding placards with messages like “Unplug Elon” and “I can only write this because there used to be a Department of Education.” Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, spoke at the Washington rally, highlighting the administration’s treatment of marginalized communities. “These aren’t just political attacks—they’re personal,” she said, according to AFP.

Protests were also reported in Atlanta, Boston, Miami, and Charlotte, with calls for protecting immigrant rights, healthcare access, and workers’ protections.

International Solidarity

Demonstrations extended beyond U.S. borders, as American expatriates and international allies rallied in cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, Paris, and London. In Paris, roughly 200 protesters gathered at Place de la République, waving banners reading “Resist Tyrant,” “Rule of Law,” and “Feminists for Freedom not Fascism.”

Timothy Kautz, a spokesperson for Democrats Abroad, underscored the importance of global solidarity. “We’re standing with the thousands of demonstrations happening in the U.S. today,” he told Reuters.

Ezra Levin, co-founder of the advocacy group Indivisible, added: “This massive mobilization sends a clear message—not just to Musk and Trump, but to their MAGA-aligned enablers in Congress: Keep your hands off our democracy, our communities, our schools, and our neighbors.”

The White House responded by defending its policies. Assistant Press Secretary Liz Huston stated, “President Trump remains committed to safeguarding Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for eligible Americans. Democrats, on the other hand, are proposing to extend these benefits to illegal immigrants—an approach that would bankrupt the programs and hurt American seniors.”

Pro-Palestinian activists also joined the Washington protests, condemning the administration’s support for Israel’s renewed military operations in Gaza and its suppression of student-led campus protests.