By Emma-Victoria Farr
FRANKFURT/BERLIN () - On Saturday, hundreds of individuals took part in demonstrations across European cities targeting U.S. President Donald Trump and advisor Elon Musk. These protests came at the end of a tumultuous week for financial markets, which occurred shortly after Trump announced extensive worldwide tariffs.
In the German city of Frankfurt, the " Hands Off! " protest was organized by Democrats Abroad, which serves as the official body for members of the Democratic Party who reside outside the United States.
In Berlin, protesters demonstrated outside a Tesla store, holding signs urging fellow American residents in Germany to join them in advocating for an end to the turmoil back in their home country.
Assembling at Frankfurt’s Opernplatz, participants from the overseas Democrats chapter called for the U.S. president to step down. They held signs with messages such as “Restore Democracy,” “Keep your hands off our private information,” and “Donald, the world has had enough of your nonsense—leave now!”
In Berlin, messages aimed at Musk stated "Be quiet Elon, nobody elected you," and a dog was seen with a sign reading "Dogs opposed to DOGE." This referred to the Department of Government Efficiency—a project spearheaded by senior advisor Musk as part of the second Trump administration’s efforts to cut down on government waste, fraud, and misuse of funds.
In Paris, approximately 200 individuals, largely Americans, convened at the Place de la République to demonstrate against President Trump. Several participants delivered speeches criticizing him, as demonstrators held up signs such as “Resist Tyrant,” “Rule of Law,” “Feminists for Freedom Not Fascism,” and “Save Democracy.” Another person performed Bob Dylan’s song "Masters of War."
Demonstrations against Trump and Musk took place in various European cities such as London and Lisbon as well.
In London’s central hub, several hundred individuals assembled at Trafalgar Square, brandishing placards that read “Proud American Ashamed” and “WTAF America?” As they listened to speeches denouncing Trump, the group repeatedly shouted slogans such as “ Hands off Canada,” “Hands off Greenland,” and “Hands off Ukraine.”
(Reported by Emma-Victoria Farr, Christian Mang, and Frank Simon; Additional reporting by John Irish from Paris and Sarah Young from London; Edited by Toby Chopra)
