On April 5, 2025, a historic wave of protests swept across the United States as over 1.2 million people participated in a coordinated demonstration called the “Hands Off!” movement, aimed at denouncing the Trump administration’s recent political, economic, and social decisions. From New York City to San Francisco, from small towns to major university campuses, the message was clear: Americans across the political spectrum are increasingly concerned about what they perceive as government overreach and a dismantling of civil rights.
The protests were sparked by a combination of issues, including drastic cuts to social welfare programs, expanding restrictions on reproductive rights, mass layoffs within federal agencies, and rising tensions with China due to steep tariffs. Many demonstrators also expressed alarm at the increasing influence of billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, who was recently appointed as a strategic innovation advisor to the Trump administration.
In Washington, D.C., more than 150,000 people gathered at the National Mall holding handmade signs with messages such as “HANDS OFF MY RIGHTS,” “STOP THE STRIPDOWN,” and “NO TO AUTOCRACY.” One particularly visible protester, 19-year-old college student Alina Grant, stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial shouting through a megaphone, “This is not the America we were promised. We are here to say enough is enough!”
The demonstrations remained largely peaceful, although there were several minor clashes reported in Atlanta, Houston, and Denver between protesters and counter-protest groups. Local police departments reported that over 200 events took place simultaneously in more than 40 states, making this one of the largest single-day protests in U.S. history since the Women’s March in 2017.
Organizers of the “Hands Off!” movement, a coalition of progressive activists, labor unions, and civil liberties organizations, released a joint statement:
“Our message to President Trump and those around him is simple: Keep your hands off our bodies, our jobs, our healthcare, our environment, and our democracy. These policies do not serve the people—they serve power.”
Criticism of the protests from the administration came swiftly. White House Press Secretary Laura Madison dismissed the events as “a coordinated distraction driven by radical activists funded by political operatives.” President Trump, posting on Truth Social, claimed the protests were “small, fake, and filled with people who lost in 2020 and will lose again in 2028.”
Despite such rhetoric, political analysts believe the protests have struck a chord with a significant portion of the electorate. The movement’s grassroots nature and cross-issue solidarity—ranging from economic fairness to reproductive autonomy—suggest a growing national appetite for civic engagement in the face of authoritarian trends.
Among the issues that resonated most deeply with protesters were reproductive rights. In recent weeks, several states, empowered by federal rulings, moved to tighten abortion restrictions. Protesters in cities like Chicago and Boston marched with slogans such as “My Body, My Choice” and “Abortion is Healthcare,” calling for nationwide protection of Roe-era guarantees. These sentiments were magnified by the visible participation of health workers, religious leaders, and even some former Republican officials disillusioned by the direction of the party.
With another round of protests already scheduled for May 1, it is clear that “Hands Off!” is not a one-off event. As political momentum builds, many observers believe the movement may evolve into a major force during the 2026 midterm elections.