Bold display of resistance, more than 500,000 people across the United States are expected to take to the streets on April 5, voicing their opposition to President Donald Trump’s controversial policies. The nationwide protests, organized under the banner of “Hands Off,” are set to be the largest demonstration since Trump’s re-election two months ago. More than 1,000 events will unfold across the country, with a powerful message: Hands off our government, our rights, and our future.
Organized by a coalition of progressive groups such as MoveOn, Indivisible, Women’s March, and Working Families Power, this mass mobilization includes labor unions, environmental activists, and grassroots organizations like 505051, which formed after Trump’s initial election victory. The protests aim to challenge what participants call Trump’s “authoritarian overreach and billionaire-backed agenda.”
“Donald Trump and Elon Musk think this country belongs to them,” reads the statement from the Hands Off 2025 website. “They’re taking everything they can get their hands on and daring the world to stop them. On April 5th, we’re taking to the streets nationwide to fight back with a clear message: Hands off!”
The movement draws comparisons to the Women’s March of 2017, which saw over 470,000 participants in Washington, D.C., and millions more across the country. This new wave of activism has garnered even more momentum, with over 500,000 people RSVP’d for the protests, making it one of the largest single-day protests in recent American history.
The heart of the demonstrations will be in Washington, D.C., where the National Mall will host the largest rally, beginning at noon. Key political figures, including Democratic U.S. Representatives Jamie Raskin, Maxwell Frost, and Ilhan Omar, are expected to speak at the event, amplifying the call for accountability.
The protests, which also include virtual events, are fueled by widespread discontent over a range of issues—from job cuts and service reductions across federal agencies to concerns about healthcare, LGBTQ+ rights, and consumer protections. Organizers also point to recent deportations and the tactics used to carry them out as key reasons for the nationwide mobilization.
“April 5th is our message to the world that we do not consent to the destruction of our government and our economy for the benefit of Trump and his billionaire allies,” the Hands Off website continues. “We are marching, rallying, and protesting to demand an end to the chaos and build an opposition movement against the looting of our country.”
Protestors are particularly focused on Elon Musk, who not only heads companies like Tesla and SpaceX but has become a senior adviser to Trump, leading the Department of Government Efficiency. The protests have even spread to Palm Beach County, Florida, where Trump is expected to be at his Mar-a-Lago estate.
The timing of the protests comes on the heels of Trump’s recent announcement of 10% tariffs on products from foreign countries, a move that has already shaken the stock market. With Nasdaq falling into a bear market, critics fear the long-term economic consequences of Trump’s policies.
MoveOn’s Rahna Epting emphasized the significance of the day: “What April 5th is really about is saying ‘Hey folks, let’s all come together and show the power of our voices. Let’s ensure our voices are heard, especially in the face of what we’re seeing from this administration.'”
The White House has responded to the protests, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt asserting that Trump remains undeterred in his mission to deliver on his promises to the American people. However, with tensions mounting and the streets filling with protesters, it seems clear that the opposition is only growing stronger.
