DELAND – On Saturday mornings, shoppers nationwide are running into demonstrations similar to the one held here, where several hundred individuals gathered at the intersection of New York Avenue and Woodland Boulevard .
In DeLand and various cities within Volusia and Flagler counties, the "Hands Off!" demonstration was an ongoing initiative aimed at halting President Donald Trump’s policies without relying on Congress, instead mobilizing people to take a stand on the streets.
Issues highlighted encompassed Trump's imposition of tariffs, Elon Musk's collaboration with the Department of Government Efficiency, reductions in governmental employment and budget allocations, efforts to abolish the federal Department of Education, international policy decisions estranging allies such as Canada, Mexico, and nations within Europe, matters pertaining to women’s rights, and additional topics.
Karen Bagley, the vice chair of the Northwest Democratic Club, held up a double-faced sign: one side depicted a tearful Statue of Liberty, while the other displayed the phrase "My 401K" with an arrow pointing downwards.
I am aware that all my investments are declining. It has taken me a lifetime to accumulate them," Bagley stated. "Currently, I am retired and plan to rely on these assets for income, but I’m worried about whether they will last until I turn 80.
Bagley does not attribute her declining investments to tariffs. Instead, she thinks that these tariffs will lead to increased costs of products.
The fluctuations in the stock market can largely be attributed to uncertainty," she stated. "Companies are unsure about where to direct their investments. They're uncertain about how much inventory they should purchase. The situation is riddled with confusion and doubt, leaving everyone unclear about the next steps.
For almost everyone assembled in DeLand's town square, there was a placard. Here are some examples:
- "The Nazi Musk Go."
- Yet Another Crime for Trump's Record: Eradicating Education.
- Rich Elites vs. Middle Class: Trump Betrayed You.
- You are us, not some television spectacle.
- Align with Europe, not Russia.
- "Stop Betraying Veterans."
- Making America Great Again playbook for fleecing the nation.
- "Equity-focused research saves lives"
A 14-year-old worried about the future of democracy
Several youngsters participated in the "Hands Off!" event held in DeLand.
A 14-year-old ninth-grader at DeLand High School named Kayla Tempkin voiced her worry that Musk has essentially purchased Trump and now wields disproportionate power over the White House.
This represents my future as an American citizen, and I believe Donald Trump is detrimental to America. He is eroding our liberties and undermining democracy. His aim seems to be becoming a dictator, and I feel the most effective action I can take at present is being out here to demonstrate my backing for democracy and for the rights of women like me."
Ray Bailey, a University staff member based in Deltona, expressed his worry about the Trump administration’s dismissal of scientific matters after he was seen wearing a shirt advocating for science. He believes this could lead to a dangerous descent into disorder.
We’re currently experiencing an era that’s highly skeptical of intellectual pursuits, and this could lead to extensive repercussions, such as disregarding factual information," Bailey stated. "In light of our contemporary challenges, how can we move forward without relying on scientific methods?
He indicated the attempts made by the Trump administration to reduce financial support for scientific studies.
When addressing Congress together, seeing a child who beat cancer rise to receive applause and a trivial gesture while simultaneously slashing funding for cancer research seems utterly foolish to me," he stated. "It simply does not add up.
Palm Coast protests organized
Demonstrations were also scheduled in at least three additional nearby cities: Daytona Beach, Port Orange, and Palm Coast.
Vicky Haley from Palm Coast arranged two Hands Off! demonstrations in her town.
One of my primary worries is Social Security," Haley stated. "Although I haven’t started receiving Social Security benefits yet, numerous friends and acquaintances depend on them entirely for their livelihoods. It’s crucial that this program remains reliable because we’ve contributed to it throughout our working lives and expect it to be stable."
Haley mentioned that she became more politically engaged after President Trump assumed office and has coordinated additional events in January and February, besides supporting Democrat Josh Weil’s campaign. In the special congressional election held to replace the seat vacated by Mike Waltz when he joined the White House as National Security Advisor under Trump, Randy Fine, who had Trump’s endorsement, emerged victorious representing the Republican party.
The article initially appeared in The Daytona Beach News-Journal. Protests called " Hands Off! " target Trump and Musk in DeLand, Daytona Beach, Palm Coast, and Port Orange