Massive Anti-Trump Protests Planned for April 5th
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A coalition of progressive organizations is planning a nationwide day of action on April 5th, dubbed “Hands Off! A National Day of Action,” to protest the policies of President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Organizers anticipate hundreds of thousands of participants across all 50 states and even internationally, marking what they describe as the largest single day of action since Trump's second inauguration.
The protests, fueled by concerns over various Trump administration policies, target actions such as closing Social Security offices, firing federal employees, cuts to Medicaid, undermining the Department of Education, immigration crackdowns, and the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Organizers cite these actions as part of an “all-out assault on our government, our economy, and our basic rights,” alleging that Trump and Musk are “handing over our tax dollars, our public services, and our democracy to the ultrarich.”
Leading the mobilization are groups including Indivisible, MoveOn, and the 50501 Movement, a grassroots organization formed on Reddit. The 50501 Movement, known for its February “No Kings on Presidents Day” protests, boasts over 240,000 followers on its subreddit and has mapped out hundreds of events for April 5th, including rallies, marches, and protests. Dozens of other progressive organizations, ranging from the League of Women Voters to Greenpeace and the Human Rights Campaign, are also participating.
In Philadelphia, a major protest is planned at City Hall from noon to 3 p.m., with a pre-rally event at Philly Bagels. Pennsylvania will see approximately 50 related events across the state. A flagship protest is expected in Washington, D.C., at the National Mall, with organizers anticipating around 12,500 attendees. Speakers scheduled for the D.C. event include Congressman Jamie Raskin and Congressman Maxwell Frost. Other planned protests range from major cities like Chicago and Los Angeles to smaller towns across the country. International events are also planned in London, Lisbon, Mérida (Mexico), and Lyon (France).
The protests extend beyond April 5th, with planned demonstrations scheduled for later in the week targeting Trump's Education Secretary, Linda McMahon, during a visit to San Diego. Organizers emphasize the interconnected nature of their concerns, linking the actions of Trump and Musk to issues of racism, capitalism, and misogyny. Organized labor is also actively involved in several locations, with the Chicago Federation of Labor co-sponsoring a Daley Center rally. The widespread nature and diverse participants of these protests highlight the significant level of opposition to the current administration's policies.