Thousands of protesters gathered on Saturday in Washington, D.C., and cities across the country. These demonstrations formed part of nearly 1,200 planned rallies. Organizers called it the largest single-day protest against President Donald Trump and his ally Elon Musk. The protests responded to their swift moves to restructure the government and expand presidential power.
Crowds Fill the National Mall
Despite cloudy skies and light rain, large crowds arrived at the grassy area near the Washington Monument. Organizers told Reuters that about 20,000 people would join the rally at the National Mall. Demonstrations also happened in New York, Houston, Los Angeles, Denver, and several other cities.
Over 150 activist groups joined the protests. According to the event’s website, rallies were planned in all 50 U.S. states, as well as Canada and Mexico.
In New York, 43-year-old artist Shaina Kesner said, “I am so angry, I’m so mad, all the time, yes. A bunch of privileged, white alleged rapists are controlling our country. It’s not great.”
People Voice Frustration
In Washington, thousands traveled from across the country to protest near the White House. Speakers criticized Trump’s policies and decisions. Diane Kolifrath, 64, a bike tour guide from New Hampshire, said, “We have about 100 people who have come down by bus and van from New Hampshire to protest against this outrageous administration… They’re gutting our government.”
In Los Angeles, one woman dressed as a character from The Handmaid’s Tale waved a flag that read, “Get out of my uterus.” This referenced Trump’s anti-abortion policies. In Denver, a protester held a sign that read, “No king for USA.”
International Voices Join In
The protests even reached Europe. In London, Liz Chamberlin, a U.S.-British citizen, told AFP, “What’s happening in America is everyone’s problem.” She added, “It’s economic lunacy… He is going to push us into a global recession.”
In Berlin, 70-year-old Susanne Fest called Trump “a lunatic” and accused him of creating “a constitutional crisis.”
Activist Groups Organize Nationwide
Progressive groups like MoveOn and Women’s March led the “Hands Off” protests. They held events in more than 1,000 cities, covering every congressional district.
Job Cuts Spark Outrage
With Trump’s support, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cut more than 200,000 federal jobs. The team removed workers quickly, even recalling needed specialists. On Friday, the IRS began laying off over 20,000 employees—roughly 25% of its staff.
Near Baltimore, protesters gathered outside the Social Security Administration, one of DOGE’s key targets. Linda Falcao, who will soon turn 65, told the crowd, “I’m terrified, I’m angry, I’m pissed, I’m bewildered this could happen to the United States.” She added, “I need my money. I want my money. I want my benefits!” The crowd chanted, “It’s our money!”
White House Responds to Criticism
White House assistant press secretary Liz Huston rejected claims that Trump planned to cut Social Security or Medicaid. She said in an email, “President Trump’s position is clear: he will always protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries.” She also accused Democrats of giving these benefits to undocumented immigrants, saying that would bankrupt the system.
Public Anger Grows
Trump’s efforts to shrink the government, enforce conservative values, and pressure even friendly nations over trade and immigration have angered many Americans. His actions have also rattled the stock markets.
In Boston, protester Dominic Santella said, “We’re out here to stop the, honestly, fascism. We’re stopping a leader from… jailing his opponents, stopping him from jailing just random people, immigrants.”
Democrats Struggle to Push Back
Many Democrats feel powerless, as they remain in the minority in both the House and Senate. At the National Mall, Congressman Jamie Raskin addressed the crowd. He said, “No moral person wants an economy-crashing dictator who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.”
Activist Graylan Hagler, 71, added, “They’ve woken up a sleeping giant, and they haven’t seen nothing yet.” He declared, “We will not sit down, we will not be quiet, and we will not go away.”
Protests Remain Peaceful
Despite the anger, the protests stayed peaceful. The mood remained calm and hopeful. Protesters included seniors, young adults, and families with babies in strollers. Although organizers expected 20,000 attendees in Washington, they later said the turnout appeared much higher.
In 2016, a Women’s March after Trump’s first election drew around 500,000 people.
Trump Faces Lowest Approval Rating
Recent polls show Trump’s approval rating has dropped to its lowest level since he took office. Still, the White House dismissed the protests.
Trump returned to office on January 20 and quickly issued executive orders. Critics say his agenda mirrors Project 2025, a conservative plan to reshape government and increase presidential power. His supporters praise him for challenging long-standing liberal systems.
Anti-Trump Rallies Held Abroad
Before the U.S. protests began, Americans living abroad rallied in Berlin, Frankfurt, Paris, and London. They opposed Trump’s sweeping changes to U.S. policies at home and abroad.