Thousands of Americans have shown that together, the voice of the people can speak truth to power and shake the foundations of any high seat – even if that seat is that of the President of America. Thousands have gathered across US cities like Washington DC, Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles, and in world capitals like London and Paris to voice their dissatisfaction with the Trump administration’s policies. Appropriately called the ‘Hands Off!’ movement, it has been organised by a coalition of pro-democracy groups, and going by the scale of the protests, the movement marks a significant moment in the resistance to President Donald Trump and his influence on American society.
The protests were not just an isolated reaction to a single policy, but a broad condemnation of what many see as the Trump administration’s attack on American democracy, rights, and freedoms. The overarching message was clear: Americans are fed up with the erosion of their rights, the dismantling of public services, and the unchecked power of billionaire elites like Elon Musk, whose influence over Trump’s policies has become an increasingly divisive issue.
In Washington DC, where one of the largest rallies took place, protesters carried signs decrying Trump’s attacks on immigrants, civil liberties, and public services. Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland perfectly caught the sentiment of the crowd when he compared Trump’s political strategy to that of authoritarian regimes, saying, “No moral person wants an economy-crashing dictator who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.”
A critical concern raised at the protests was the increasing influence of corporate elites, particularly Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency’ (DOGE), which has focused on slashing government spending and services. The mass firing of federal workers and the gutting of agencies that provide essential services have left many feeling that the Trump administration is prioritizing the interests of the wealthy over the needs of everyday citizens.
Moreover, Trump’s harsh stance on immigration and his controversial rhetoric about annexing countries like Greenland and Canada have stoked fears of rising nationalism and authoritarianism. The protestors’ chants of “Hands off Canada” and “Hands off Ukraine” highlighted the international concern over Trump's erratic foreign policy decisions. The Hands Off! protests also served as a platform for voices from marginalised communities, including immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and civil rights advocates. In Boston, protests were driven in part by the recent raids on university students, which saw international students like Rumeysa Ozturk detained by ICE agents.
However, it wasn’t just the policies that ignited these protests, but the lack of accountability for Trump’s actions. The President spent the day golfing in Florida, with no public engagements to address the concerns of millions of Americans. The White House’s response was to double down on Trump's position, defending his actions while accusing Democrats of misrepresenting his policies. This dismissive attitude towards the protests only served to fuel the fire.
The timing of these protests is also significant. In the wake of a turbulent week for the Trump administration, including a special election loss in Florida and the surprising victory of a Democratic candidate in Wisconsin's Supreme Court race, the protests represent a moment of resistance at a critical juncture in American politics. Some hope that this nationwide uprising will gain momentum, ultimately shaping the outcome of the 2026 congressional elections and sending a clear message that Trump’s policies and influence are no longer welcome.
While the protests were largely peaceful, the potential for violence remains a concern. In Lafayette, Indiana, tensions escalated when a man brandished a firearm after a confrontation with protesters. It is a reminder that while protests are a fundamental part of democracy, they can also be a flashpoint for conflict.
Leaving aside such tense moments, the Hands Off! movement has shined a light on the widespread discontent with Trump’s presidency and has provided protesters with a platform for collective action and a chance to reclaim power. As Rep. Ilhan Omar stated at the Washington protest, “If you believe in a country where we take care of our neighbours, look after the poor and make sure our children have a future they can believe in, we have to fight for it.”
Once he’s done with his round, Trump might find the grass not so green on the other side of the course. The growing unrest across the United States and around the world is a wake-up call. As the movement continues to gather steam, and as protesting voices get louder, one thing is clear: the fight for democratic rights is far from over.