Washington D.C., April 6 (V7N) – On Saturday, thousands of people gathered in rallies across the country to express their concerns about President Donald Trump’s actions since his second term began. The "Hands Off" protests are expected to be the largest and most widespread demonstrations since Trump's reelection.

More than 500,000 people RSVP'd to attend over 1,000 rallies, marches, and protests organized by grassroots groups. The largest protest was anticipated in Washington D.C., where, by 1 p.m. Eastern, the crowd stretched across the National Mall, moving toward the Washington Monument. Protesters carried American and Ukrainian flags, waved signs opposing cuts to education and social security, supported trans rights, and urged people to vote and defend the Constitution.

In response to the massive turnout, Metro Police closed 14th Street, a major road near the National Mall. Some protesters carried drums and shouted from bullhorns while families with children and even pets participated. Dogs were dressed in shirts saying "Dogs Against DOGE."

The White House dismissed the protests, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that "protests, lawsuits, and lawfare" would not deter Trump from fulfilling his promises to make the federal government more efficient and accountable. Although Trump was not in Washington D.C. on Saturday, protests were also expected near his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

Many protestors voiced opposition to cuts in federal programs, with one attendee, Luella Jaslowski, 59, from Wisconsin, explaining that she wanted to show her opposition to Trump’s actions and raise awareness for democracy. Others, like Lee Eiden, 72, expressed concerns over the negative impacts on federal services, particularly health and safety.

Protests were also held in cities across the country, from Erie, Pennsylvania, to Stuart, Florida. In York, Pennsylvania, over 700 people gathered to protest Trump’s policies, and some protesters even wore costumes, like Caro Stowell, who dressed as a clown to symbolize what she saw as a "circus" in the White House.

In addition to protests across the U.S., rallies were also held in cities worldwide, including Berlin, Paris, and London, as people came together to voice opposition to Trump’s leadership and policies.

Organizers from established groups like Indivisible, Women’s March, and grassroots organizations, including 50501, led the events. Rachel O'Leary Carmona, executive director of Women’s March, emphasized the importance of protesting even if the movement doesn’t immediately change the course of events.

The protest focused on defending rights and freedoms, with many emphasizing the need to protect voting rights, education, health care, and social security. Many felt the current administration's actions are endangering democracy, and they aimed to make their voices heard on a national scale.

Protests have been a regular feature throughout Trump's presidency, and according to the Crowd Counting Consortium, the number of protests has increased significantly since 2017, with February 2025 seeing more than 2,000 nationwide protests.

In conclusion, the "Hands Off" protests were a clear signal of widespread opposition to Trump’s administration and policies, with participants uniting across the country and globally to demand change and defend democracy.

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