'Hands off' protests to hit streets across US: Why Americans are marching against Donald Trump, Elon Musk

Discontent with President Donald Trump's administration and Elon Musk's actions on government downsizing, the economy, human rights and other issues, Trump opponents are planning demonstrations across the United States on Saturday. 

 

Around 1,200 demonstrations are planned across the US. Over 5 lakh people are expected to take to the streets to protest against Trump's 'authoritarian' agenda. 

 

The 'Hands Off!' protests will be an opportunity for the protesters to express their displeasure publicly in response to Trump's sweeping makeover of the US foreign and domestic policy through executive orders. 

 

The protests are organised by several advocacy groups, civil rights organisations and grassroots movements with the aim of bringing attention to the ongoing legal proceedings involving Trump. 

 

“This is shaping up to be the biggest single-day protest in the last several years of American history,” Ezra Levin, a founder of Indivisible, one of the groups planning the event was quoted by The Guardian. 

 

“This is a nationwide mobilization to stop the most brazen power grab in modern history,” says the website for the protest. “Trump, Musk, and their billionaire cronies are orchestrating an all-out assault on our government, our economy, and our basic rights – enabled by Congress every step of the way.

 

Over 100 activist groups have signed up to participate in the event. Key US cities like New York, Washington, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and Miami will witness the demonstrations. 

 

Demonstrations will be held in Canada, Britain, France, Germany, Mexico, and Portugal as well. One of the biggest rallies is expected on Washington's National Mall. 

 

While responding to the planned demonstrations against Trump, White House assistant press secretary Liz Huston said that the president's stand is clear and he will always protect Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries. 

 

Meanwhile, the protesting groups in a statement said pro-Palestinian groups opposing US ally Israel's renewed military action in Gaza and the Trump administration's crackdown on-campus protests will also participate in Washington and plan to carry out a march. 

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