Thousands Protest Trump's Policies in Nationwide Demonstrations

In a show of dissent against President Donald Trump's policies, thousands of people took to the streets in scores of American cities, rallying against government downsizing, economic decisions, immigration policies, and human rights issues. The demonstrations, dubbed "Hands Off!", saw protesters gather in over 1,200 locations across all 50 states, with civil rights organizations, labor unions, LGBTQ+ advocates, veterans, and election activists among the groups involved.

Protesters voiced their discontent with the administration's moves to fire thousands of federal workers, close Social Security Administration field offices, and cut funding for health programs. They also expressed anger over the scaling back of protections for transgender people and the deportation of immigrants. The rallies remained peaceful, with no immediate reports of arrests.

In Washington, D.C., Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, criticized the administration's treatment of the LGBTQ+ community, stating, "The attacks we're seeing, they're not just political. They are personal." Robinson added, “We want the America we deserve, where dignity, safety, and freedom belong not to some of us, but to all of us.”

In Boston, demonstrators held signs reading "Hands off our democracy" and "Hands off our Social Security," with Mayor Michelle Wu expressing her concerns about the impact of the administration's policies on future generations.

In Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, hundreds protested near Trump's golf course, chanting slogans against the president and calling for protection of Social Security.

In Charlotte, North Carolina, protesters supported various causes, including Social Security, education, immigration, and women's reproductive rights, with one participant stating, “What's going on today is abhorrent... They're not listening to the people.”

In San Jose, California, Deborah and Douglas Doherty joined thousands marching through downtown, with Deborah expressing concern that fewer people have turned out against Trump this time around.

The White House responded to the protests, stating that "President Trump's position is clear: he will always protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries." The administration accused Democrats of giving Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare benefits to illegal aliens, which they claim will bankrupt these programs and harm American seniors.

The protests mark a significant moment in the opposition movement's efforts to regain momentum after Trump's first weeks in office.