Thousands of people protested on Saturday in Washington, D.C., and in cities across the United States. They gathered to oppose President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s rapid changes to the government.

Demonstrators Fill the National Mall

Despite cloudy skies and light rain, large crowds gathered at the National Mall in Washington. Organizers expected around 20,000 attendees. Protesters stood on the grass near the Washington Monument, holding signs and chanting slogans.

Protests also took place in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Denver, and Miami. According to the event’s website, over 150 activist groups took part. Demonstrations happened in every U.S. state, plus Canada and Mexico.

Voices of Frustration

People voiced strong criticism of Trump’s policies.

In New York, artist Shaina Kesner joined the march through Manhattan.
“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,” she said.

In Washington, many traveled long distances to join the protest. Diane Kolifrath, a 64-year-old bike tour guide, arrived from New Hampshire.
“We have about 100 people who have come down by bus and van… This outrageous administration is causing us to lose allies and hurting people here at home,” she explained. “They’re gutting our government.”

Symbolic Messages Across the Country

In Los Angeles, a woman dressed as a character from The Handmaid’s Tale waved a flag that read: “Get out of my uterus.” Her message targeted Trump’s anti-abortion stance. Meanwhile in Denver, a protester held a sign saying: “No king for USA.”
In London, Liz Chamberlin, a U.S.-British citizen, said, “What’s happening in America is everyone’s problem… He is going to push us into a global recession.” In Berlin, retiree Susanne Fest said Trump created “a constitutional crisis,” adding,
“The guy is a lunatic.”

Activists Lead a Nationwide Movement

Progressive groups like MoveOn and Women’s March organized more than 1,000 rallies. They named the event “Hands Off.” The protests stretched across all congressional districts.

DOGE Cuts Spark Public Outrage

Trump approved massive cuts to the federal workforce. With Elon Musk leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the government has cut over 200,000 jobs.

On Friday, the IRS began laying off more than 20,000 workers—about a quarter of its staff. In Baltimore, hundreds protested outside the Social Security Administration. They opposed the agency’s downsizing.

Linda Falcao, nearly 65, shared her concern:
“I’m terrified, I’m angry, I’m pissed, I’m bewildered this could happen… I need my money. I want my benefits!” The crowd joined her in chanting: “It’s our money!”

Still, the White House defended its actions. Assistant press secretary Liz Huston said:
“President Trump’s position is clear: he will always protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries…”

Nation Pushes Back Against Executive Power

Trump’s sweeping changes to government and trade upset many Americans. Protesters accused him of authoritarianism and attacks on civil liberties.

In Boston, protester Dominic Santella declared,
“We’re out here to stop the, honestly, fascism… We’re stopping a leader from jailing his opponents.”

Even some Democrats admitted frustration. Lacking control in Congress, they struggled to push back.

At the Washington rally, Representative Jamie Raskin told the crowd:
“No moral person wants an economy-crashing dictator who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.”

Activist Graylan Hagler fired up the audience:
“They’ve woken up a sleeping giant… We will not sit down, we will not be quiet, and we will not go away.”

A Peaceful Day, But Clear Message

Saturday’s protests remained peaceful. The crowd included young families, students, and elderly citizens. The energy stayed positive as people voiced their concerns.

Organizers had expected 20,000 people in Washington. However, by afternoon, they believed the turnout was much larger.

Global Response Grows

The protests didn’t stay within U.S. borders. In cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, Paris, and London, hundreds of American expatriates marched in solidarity. These protests targeted Trump’s foreign and domestic reforms. They also warned of economic risks and reduced global cooperation.

Trump Moves Ahead with Executive Agenda

Despite the backlash, Trump moved quickly after returning to office on January 20. He signed many executive orders, most in line with Project 2025—a conservative plan to reshape the U.S. government and expand presidential authority.

Trump’s approval ratings have dropped to new lows. Yet, his supporters applaud the bold steps, seeing them as a way to break old political norms.