On April 5, 2025, millions of Americans participated in the "Hands Off!" protests, a nationwide demonstration opposing President Donald Trump's administration and Elon Musk's leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Organized by a coalition of over 150 groups—including civil rights organizations, labor unions, and LGBTQ+ advocates—the protests spanned more than 1,400 locations across all 50 states.

The demonstrations were a response to several policies implemented by the administration and DOGE, including mass layoffs of federal employees, agency closures, cuts to health and social services, deportation actions, and reduced protections for transgender individuals. Major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., saw significant turnouts, with events held at state capitals, federal buildings, and city centers.

In Washington, D.C., thousands gathered on the National Mall, expressing concerns over the administration's actions on immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and economic policies. Similarly, in Los Angeles, hundreds protested against government downsizing and recent tariffs.

The "Hands Off!" protests marked one of the largest coordinated demonstrations against the Trump administration, reflecting widespread public dissent and a call for policy changes.

Established by an executive order from President Trump on January 20, 2025, DOGE was tasked with overhauling and modernizing federal government operations. Elon Musk, appointed as a senior advisor to the president, played a pivotal role in leading DOGE's initiatives.

DOGE's cost-cutting efforts resulted in the termination of over 260,000 federal employees and the closure of significant agencies, raising concerns about transparency and potential conflicts of interest, especially given Musk's business ties with NASA. The first 100 days of DOGE saw widespread disruptions across multiple agencies, including staff shortages and technology failures, leading to increased inefficiencies. Musk claimed that DOGE saved $160 billion; however, these figures remain unverified and have included notable accounting errors.

Musk's involvement in DOGE and his support for President Trump have had significant repercussions. His political activities led to a decline in Tesla's brand reputation and financial performance, with an $800 billion reduction in market capitalization and a 70% drop in quarterly profits. The backlash prompted Musk to step back from his DOGE duties to refocus on his companies.

The "Hands Off!" protests underscore a deep-seated public dissent against the administration's policies and DOGE's actions. The widespread participation reflects concerns over government transparency and accountability, protection of civil rights, and economic stability.

The events highlight the complexities of intertwining business leadership with governmental roles and the profound societal implications of such collaborations.