From Silence to the Streets, People Say “Hands Off!”
Surveying a bigger crowd than expected at the “HandsOff!” rally, one could sense the feel of anti-war protests from prior generations.
With the sounds of bongo drums and tambourines of the ’60s, protest ballads like Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Chan-gin’,” and the civil rights anthem “We Shall Overcome,” everyone was of one accord.
The chants would start in one section of the crowd and spread in waves throughout Pack Square Park for more than two blocks.
The protests attracted a diverse demographic. Notably, middle-aged and older Americans—concerned about their, homes, retirement savings, Social Security, disability benefits and 401(k)s.
Participants emphasized the necessity of these public rallies to signal resistance of policies implemented by President Donald Trump and actions taken by Elon Musk in his role as head of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). People argued the policies threaten sustainable livelihoods, Social Security, social services, and civil liberties.
Also on the ground were veterans, who expressed significant concerns regarding policies of the Trump administration, particularly those affecting the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The primary issues include declines in the quality and accessibility of healthcare for veterans and the related impact on veteran employment, leading to feelings of betrayal and concerns over job security. Many of these issues have prompted legal challenges and calls for legislative measures to protect employed veterans.
Also of concern are executive orders to dismantle DEI programs that have directly impacted veterans, particularly those from historically marginalized communities. The elimination of these programs raises concerns about the erosion of support systems that promote inclusiveness and representation within the VA and other federal agencies.
The broader consideration is that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, an unofficial and non-elected person, is initiating significant technological changes within the VA, including the introduction of AI tools and the involvement of private-sector tech operatives. These efforts have raised concerns about HIPAA data security, operational continuity, and the potential displacement of experienced and vetted VA staff.
Numerous veterans are deeply concerned that these policy changes may undermine the quality, privacy, and accessibility of essential services, and erode critical support systems designed to assist them. Legal challenges have emerged over DOGE’s access to sensitive data, leading to a temporary restraining order.
Hands Off! advocates also voiced concerns about the administration’s growing oligarchy and/or authoritarianism, and its perceived orientation towards the interests of billionaires over American workers. Some protestors carried signs like “Democracy Not Dictatorship,” challenging the administration’s insistence that it will protect key social programs. However, critics cite the rollback of government functions and scientific funding cuts, such as to the NIH, and the Congressional budget outline that shows cuts of $800 billion to the social safety net: Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Internationally
Advocates in the “Hands Off!” protests have voiced strong opposition to the policies of President Donald Trump and his advisers—from Musk to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, NSA head Tulsi Gabbard, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Homeland Security Director Kristi Noem—particularly concerning government downsizing, economic measures, and perceived threats to democracy.
In European cities such as Frankfurt, Berlin, Paris, and London, demonstrators gathered to express their concerns.
In London, demonstrators in Trafalgar Square expressed embarrassment and concern over US policies, chanting against US interference in international affairs. These protests highlight a broad European backlash against the current administration and its policies.
In Paris, protesters—primarily Americans—assembled at the Place de la République, waving banners promoting democracy and condemning fascism.
In Frankfurt and Berlin, protests organized by United States citizens abroad featured signs like “Restore Democracy” and “Shut up Elon, no one voted for you,” reflecting dissatisfaction with Musk’s role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the administration’s policies.
These sentiments reflect a broader international apprehension regarding perceived authoritarian tendencies and policy overreach by the Trump administration and, in particular, Musk’s role—which can be nothing more than advisory according to US laws, but which he runs as if he were a Senate-ratified department head.
The backlash against Musk has broadened into the international “Tesla Takedown” movement, with protests occurring outside Tesla dealerships in cities including Barcelona, London, Lisbon, and Reykjavik. Demonstrators criticized Musk’s involvement in government affairs and the administration’s policies, aiming to impact Tesla’s market presence as a form of protest against Musk’s political role.
These national and international protests underscore a global concern regarding the new direction for the United States as set by Trump—authoritarian at home, anti-civil or equal rights, rolling back environmental progress, unilaterally breaking US commitments gained through negotiation and legally binding agreements, and military threats leveled against long-time allies.
Wherever protests have been held, participants have advocated for the protection of democratic institutions and the nation’s domestic social welfare systems.
The “Hands Off” protests have illuminated deep-seated concerns among Americans regarding the trajectory of national policies. Citizens are demanding that democratic institutions, social welfare programs, and equal rights laws be protected. A return to political and civil norms such as judicial independence, freedom of the press, and a balance of rights between states and the federal government are expected by constituents.
Clearly unconstitutional, punitive actions taken by the administration (such as laws against Bills of Attainder and using the power of the federal purse to reward friends and punish political or social opponents—whom the administration calls its “enemies”) need to be stopped. Meanwhile, protesters warned that Trump’s politics will lead to a “bloodbath” in the 2026 midterm elections.
