Thousands participated in "Hands Off" rallies across the United States on Saturday, protesting against the Trump administration's policies and reforms, including those led by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Organizers anticipated over 1,200 rallies nationwide, marking a significant mobilization against recent initiatives.
Protest sites included the National Mall in Washington, DC, and locations in all 50 US states. Demonstrators voiced discontent over executive actions, restructuring, the elimination of federal positions, and benefit reductions within agencies like the IRS and Social Security Administration.
Globally, American expatriates and supporters gathered in cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, Paris, and London. In Paris, around 200 demonstrators assembled at Place de la Republique, displaying banners with messages of resistance.
Pro-Palestinian groups joined the Washington demonstrations, protesting against US support for Israel's military actions in Gaza and the crackdown on campus protests.
The White House defended the administration's actions, with Assistant press secretary Liz Huston stating President Trump's commitment to protecting Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries.