WASHINGTON (AP) — Critics of President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk schedule a march throughout the U.S. on Saturday to demonstrate against the administration's actions Regarding government reductions, economic matters, civil liberties, and various topics.
Over 1,200 "Hands Off!" rallies have been organized by over 150 groups such as civil rights associations, trade unions, LGBTQ+ supporters, veteran organizations, and fair elections campaigners. These demonstrations are scheduled to take place at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., various state capitals, and multiple sites across all 50 states.
The White House did not respond to an emailed request for comments regarding the protests. Trump has advocated for his policies, asserting they are in the best interests of the United States.
Demonstrators are criticizing the Trump administration's actions regarding terminate numerous government employees , shut down Social Security Administration branch locations , effectively shutter entire agencies , deport immigrants , reduce safeguards for transgender individuals and reduce financial support from the federal government for healthcare initiatives .
Musk, an advisor to former President Trump and the owner of companies like Tesla, SpaceX, and the social media site X, has been instrumental in shrinking governmental operations as the leader of the recently established Department of Government Efficiency. According to him, his efforts have helped save taxpayers billions of dollars.
Activists have staged nationwide demonstrations opposed Trump or Musk several occasions since the new government assumed control. However, the protest movement hasn't managed to orchestrate a large-scale mobilization akin to the Women's March in 2017 , which attracted thousands of women to Washington, D.C., following Trump's initial inauguration, as well as the Black Lives Matter movement protests that broke out across several urban centers following the death of George Floyd in 2020.
Organizers indicate their aim is for this Saturday’s protests to become the biggest ones yet since Trump returned to office in January.
The Associated Press