Thousands of protesters rallied across major cities in the United States on Saturday in a sweeping show of opposition to President Donald Trump’s administration. Dubbed the “Hands Off” protests, demonstrators gathered in over 1,200 locations nationwide, with significant turnouts in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Washington DC.
The protests mark the largest collective action against Trump since his second inauguration in January. The demonstrations were sparked by a variety of grievances, including aggressive immigration policies, controversial foreign policy moves, and economic decisions such as sweeping import tariffs announced earlier this week.
In Boston, immigration was a key issue. Protesters cited recent raids on university campuses, such as the arrest of Turkish student Rumeysa Ozturk near Tufts University. “You can stand up today or you can be taken later,” said law student Katie Smith, highlighting the fear among international students.
International solidarity rallies were also held in cities like London, Paris, and Berlin. Protesters in London held signs reading “Hands off Canada,” “Hands off Greenland,” and “Hands off Ukraine,” a reference to Trump’s controversial statements and actions related to these regions.
In Washington DC, thousands gathered to hear speeches from Democratic lawmakers. Florida Congressman Maxwell Frost criticized the influence of billionaires in Trump’s administration, specifically singling out Elon Musk, a Trump advisor linked to massive federal budget cuts. “When you steal from the people, expect the people to rise up,” Frost declared.
Recent polls suggest a decline in Trump’s approval ratings. A Reuters/Ipsos poll recorded a drop to 43%, the lowest since his second term began. Economic concerns remain pressing, with only 30% approving his cost-of-living policies.
Despite the protests, Trump spent the weekend golfing in Florida and held no public events. The White House defended his stance, claiming he aims to protect Medicare and Social Security, while accusing Democrats of undermining these programs.
Meanwhile, Trump advisor Tom Homan dismissed the protests outside his home, saying, “Protests and rallies, they don’t mean anything.” Yet for many Americans, the mass mobilizations send a clear message: the opposition is organized, energized, and unwilling to stay silent.
