STORY
This past weekend witnessed a surge of protests across the United States and internationally, as demonstrators voiced strong opposition to President Donald Trump and his administration’s recent policies. The “Hands Off!” rallies, organised by groups such as Indivisible and MoveOn, took place in all 50 U.S. states and major cities worldwide, drawing hundreds of thousands of participants. In Washington, D.C., tens of thousands gathered near the White House, expressing discontent over the administration’s aggressive tariff implementations and significant budget cuts initiated by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). These cuts have notably affected health funding, education, and cultural institutions, leading to widespread concern among citizens.
The economic repercussions of the new tariffs have been severe, with global markets reportedly losing $8 trillion, heightening fears of an impending global recession. Despite this, President Trump defended his policies on social media, describing them as a precursor to an “economic revolution” and urging Americans to “hang tough.” Internationally, solidarity protests occurred in cities such as London, Paris, Berlin, and Stockholm. Demonstrators there echoed concerns about threats to democracy and social welfare, emphasising the global impact of U.S. policies.
The protests have brought together a diverse coalition of individuals, including long-time critics of the administration and those newly affected by recent policy changes. Notably, many middle-aged and older Americans participated, voicing concerns over their retirement savings and Social Security. While the demonstrations have been largely peaceful, they underscore a growing unease among citizens regarding the current administration’s direction. Organisers have pledged to continue their efforts, aiming to hold leaders accountable and advocate for policies that prioritise the well-being of all citizens.