On April 5, 2025, millions of Americans participated in "Hands Off!" protests across more than 1,400 locations nationwide, marking one of the largest single-day demonstrations in U.S. history. Organized by a coalition of over 150 civil rights organizations, labor unions, LGBTQ+ advocates, veterans, and election activists, these protests also extended internationally to cities such as Paris, London, Frankfurt, and Lisbon.

The demonstrations were a response to several policies and actions undertaken by President Donald Trump's administration and Elon Musk, who was appointed head of the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Key grievances included mass layoffs of federal employees, agency closures, aggressive immigration policies, and perceived attacks on civil rights and social services.

Elon Musk's role as head of DOGE was a central focus of the protests. Musk defended the administration's actions, stating they were necessary to "save taxpayers billions of dollars." However, his tenure faced significant public and political backlash, leading to his decision to reduce government involvement ahead of his 130-day service limit in May. Despite Musk's formal exit from the White House, he is expected to continue advising Trump while channeling funds into Republican campaigns.

The "Hands Off!" protests marked a significant moment in American activism, drawing millions of participants nationwide. The movement's decentralized nature allowed for a diverse range of events, from large rallies in major cities to smaller gatherings in rural areas, reflecting widespread public dissent. Some events incorporated community service activities like food drives and neighborhood cleanups.

These protests were part of a broader wave of activism, including the "50501" movement, which continued to organize events throughout April 2025, emphasizing community support and resistance to perceived authoritarian policies.

The "Hands Off!" protests are reminiscent of previous large-scale demonstrations, such as the Women's March in 2017 and the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020. The scale of the protests indicates significant public opposition to the administration's policies. The movement has the potential to influence upcoming elections and policy decisions, as it demonstrates organized and widespread activism. Global participation highlights concerns about the U.S. administration's policies beyond its borders, potentially affecting international relations.

The "Hands Off!" protests stand out for their extensive coordination and the breadth of issues addressed, reflecting a multifaceted opposition to the administration's policies. The protests underscore a deep-seated public dissatisfaction with the administration's direction. The scale of the protests indicates significant public opposition to the administration's policies. The movement has the potential to influence upcoming elections and policy decisions, as it demonstrates organized and widespread activism. Global participation highlights concerns about the U.S. administration's policies beyond its borders, potentially affecting international relations.