WEBDESK: Thousands of people took to the streets across the United States and Europe on Saturday in massive anti-Trump protests. Demonstrators were voicing strong opposition to recent job cuts, economic reforms, and the growing influence of Elon Musk in government decisions.
According to the organisers, more than 20,000 people were expected to attend a rally at the National Mall. Some 150 activist groups had signed up to participate, according to the event’s website. Protests were planned in all 50 states plus Canada and Mexico.
In Washington D.C., crowds gathered at the National Mall, holding banners and chanting slogans against President Donald Trump and his advisor Elon Musk. The protest was part of the wider “Hands Off” movement, which has gained momentum after the Trump administration announced a plan to cut over 200,000 federal jobs – including 20,000 at the IRS.
Protesters are concerned these cuts will hurt essential services like Social Security, healthcare, and public safety. “These decisions aren’t about saving money; they’re about weakening government support for the people,” said one protester in New York City. Anti-Trump protests were also reported in major cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Miami.
The crowd around the memorial continued to build throughout the day. Some carried Ukrainian flags and others wore Palestinian keffiyeh scarves and carried “Free Palestine” signs, while Democrats from the U.S. House of Representatives blasted Trump’s policies on stage.
Elon Musk’s involvement in the administration, particularly through his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has fueled even more frustration. Protesters claim that Musk’s business-first approach is harming the working class and threatening democratic values.
The anti-Trump protests weren’t limited to the US. In cities like Berlin, Paris, and London, American expats and European supporters stood in solidarity with demonstrators in the U.S. They expressed concern over how Trump’s actions could affect global economies and political stability.
Critics say these protests highlight a growing divide in American politics. Supporters of the movement believe that these anti-Trump protests are necessary to hold the government accountable for its actions and to protect the rights of everyday citizens.
Many protesters called on lawmakers to reverse the job cuts and push back against what they see as an undemocratic shift in leadership. “This isn’t just about politics,” said a protestor in Chicago, “it’s about the future of democracy itself.”
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