HANDS OFF! NATIONWIDE PROTESTS ON APRIL 5TH: A CALL TO DEFEND DEMOCRACY AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE

16x9 Issue List Hands Off April 5 Mobilization 20250313204816104454 copy — Hands Off! April 5 Protest

Nationwide Protests on April 5th: A Call to Defend Democracy and Economic Justice

On April 5, 2025, thousands of activists across the United States and abroad will gather for the Hands Off! protests—a powerful response to what many perceive as the encroaching influence of powerful elites, including President Donald Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk. This grassroots movement has grown significantly in recent weeks, with protests now planned in over 1,000 cities and towns across the U.S., and additional demonstrations set to take place in international locations like Berlin, London, and Paris.

The Hands Off! protests are organized by a coalition of advocacy groups, including the environmental organization Third Act, the reproductive rights group Reproductive Freedom for All, and the civil rights group 50501 Movement. These protests are being held just days before the anticipated vote on the SAVE Act in Congress, a piece of legislation that civil rights activists argue will make it more difficult for women and minorities to register to vote.

The protests also come in the wake of a significant stock market dip following Trump’s imposition of tariffs on April 1, 2025 a move that many critics argue exacerbates economic instability and disproportionately harms working-class Americans.

What’s at Stake: A Fight for Social Safety Nets and Voting Rights

The Hands Off! movement’s main objective is clear: to prevent the further erosion of the social safety nets that many Americans rely on. From cuts to federal jobs, the shuttering of Social Security offices, and proposals to limit access to Medicaid, activists see these measures as part of a broader agenda to favor the wealthy while stripping essential services from ordinary citizens. The movement is also deeply concerned with the potential consequences of the SAVE Act, which could disenfranchise large segments of the American population, particularly women and people of color.

The protests also serve as a direct response to what many view as the unchecked power of billionaires like Musk, who is seen as exerting undue influence over politics and the economy. Many protesters are calling for a reinvigoration of democracy—one that doesn’t cater to the whims of the ultra-wealthy, but rather serves the needs of the people.

The Mobilization: What to Expect on April 5th

Protests will take place across the country, with key events in state capitals such as Montgomery, Alabama; Phoenix, Arizona; Sacramento, California; and Tallahassee, Florida.

In New York City, the rally will begin with a meetup at Culture Espresso at 12:30 PM EST, followed by a march from Bryant Park at 1:00 PM EST. The protesters’ message is clear: “Hands off our health care, our jobs, our data, and our democracy.”

At each location, the emphasis will be on nonviolent action. Organizers have made it clear that they expect all participants to engage in peaceful demonstrations, avoiding confrontation with those who may disagree with their cause. The Hands Off! movement is focused on building a broad-based opposition to what they see as the systematic looting of public resources for private gain.

International Reach: Solidarity Across Borders

The Hands Off! protests are not just a domestic movement. As more people around the world feel the impact of the policies coming out of Washington, solidarity actions have been scheduled in cities like London, Paris, Berlin, and Vienna. With the global consequences of Trump-era policies still being felt in everything from trade tariffs to cuts in foreign aid, people worldwide are stepping up to say enough is enough.

In Boston, one of the largest demonstrations is set to feature a performance by the Dropkick Murphys, a band known for its outspoken anti-MAGA stance. The band’s involvement signals the deep cultural and political resonance of the Hands Off! protests, with musicians and other artists joining the fight to protect democracy and economic justice.

A Movement for Change

The Hands Off! protests are more than just a one-day demonstration—they are a call to action for people who feel powerless in the face of powerful corporate interests and political elites. They are a reminder that democracy is fragile, and that active engagement is necessary to preserve the rights and freedoms that many take for granted.

As the date approaches, the Hands Off! movement is gaining momentum, with new protest locations continuing to be added. This is a nationwide movement that is growing in strength and scope, and its message is clear: the time for complacency is over. People across the United States and around the world are standing up to demand a future that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few.

For those who cannot attend in person, Hands Off! has provided ways to get involved online and via social media, encouraging widespread digital activism in support of the cause.

As the April 5th protests draw near, one thing is certain—the Hands Off! movement is poised to make a powerful statement in defense of democracy, economic justice, and a fairer future for all.

Hands Off! protests are occurring in the following state capitols: