Nationwide Protests Against Trump Erupt Across Cities in the U.S.

WASHINGTON—On April 5, thousands gathered around the Washington Monument in the capital as part of the national “Hands Off!” protest against the Trump administration.

As the crowd swelled, several Democratic legislators joined political activists to speak from the Sylvan Theater stage, located nearby the Washington Monument.

“We must utilize all tools at our disposal. We cannot disregard any aspect of our movement. We need mutual aid, protests, direct action, and a legislative agenda,” Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) declared from the stage. “We also need to pursue legal action, because our opponents are not holding back in their efforts.”

The event in the capital was merely one facet of a meticulously organized movement replicated in cities across the nation.

Nearly 200 organizations collaborated to support over 1,000 protests scheduled nationwide.

The coalition included LGBT, pro-choice, and environmental advocacy groups, alongside unions and Democratic organizers.

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The protest site emphasizes that “our democracy, livelihoods, and rights are at stake as Trump and Musk carry out their unlawful takeover.”

Among other claims, the protest website states that the Trump administration is “dismantling Social Security and Medicare … plundering our government,” and infringing on the rights of countless individuals.

“If we desire a nation that honors due process, we must advocate for it. If you envision a society that cares for its neighbors, supports the less fortunate, and ensures our children have a promising future, we must fight for it,” Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) expressed at the Washington rally.

Speaking with The Epoch Times at a protest in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Andrea Davis remarked, “I want to see Democrats mobilize and take significant action.” Pointing to the gathering of several hundred people along the Tennessee River, Davis added, “This is just the beginning; we need to step up our efforts.”

On her way to join fellow demonstrators in the capital, Renee Steinhagen told The Epoch Times that she aimed to express her discontent with U.S. policy regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which she labeled as a “continuation of the Trump administration’s policy under Biden.”

Following the attacks by the terrorist group Hamas on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, Israeli forces initiated a military campaign aimed at neutralizing Hamas and rescuing the hostages.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza, operating under the Hamas-led administration, has reported numerous casualties without distinguishing between combatants and civilians, resulting in casualty figures that cannot be independently verified.

Recently, Israeli forces resumed military operations in the conflict-stricken Gaza Strip.

Rachel Overstreet, another participant at the Washington demonstration, expressed her discontent with aspects of U.S. foreign policy. She said her frustration encompasses both U.S. approaches to the Gaza conflict and the situation between Russia and Ukraine.

Devin McCullough, who wore a red shirt emblazoned with “Stop Genocide in Gaza,” stood with other protesters in Chattanooga and echoed concerns regarding civilian casualties in the war-torn area. He expressed disappointment with Democrats, stating, “I’ve always leaned liberal, but I feel compelled to participate in the protests against the Trump administration.”

“It seems like this administration has overridden everything, which is why I’m here,” he remarked.

Alongside his Gaza shirt, McCullough brandished a poster criticizing Trump’s recent tariff policies.

When asked about Musk and the DOGE, McCullough expressed support for the idea of streamlining government processes to reduce wasteful spending, but he has reservations regarding the DOGE approach.

“They appear to be implementing swift layoffs of thousands of federal employees, claiming it’s a cost-saving measure, without addressing specific expenditures,” he noted.

Counter-Protests Limited

As the anti-Trump demonstrators gathered a block away from the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga on Saturday, an event organizer instructed attendees on how to handle encounters with opposing protesters. She urged everyone to remain peaceful and open to dialogue but recommended keeping their distance if a counter-protester became aggressive.

The event organizer also suggested participants chant “U.S.A., U.S.A.” to signal for a security team clad in orange vests to assist in separating conflicting groups.

During the Chattanooga protest, a white pickup truck adorned with Trump campaign flags slowly drove past the crowd of anti-Trump demonstrators, who responded with a mixture of chants, boos, whistles, and jeers. The truck made several loops along the protest path.

Approximately an hour into the Chattanooga gathering, a few apparent counter-protesters surfaced. One identified himself to The Epoch Times simply as Steve, while another provided the name William. After a brief confrontation with the anti-Trump crowd, both chose to maintain some distance from the main group.

Brooke Hadden, who attended the protest to observe and share viewpoints, stood apart from the main crowd while engaging in a discussion with Steve on various topics, including immigration and the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports.

“There are causes here that I actually agree with, and some that I don’t support,” Hadden acknowledged.

At the Washington rally, there were similarly few signs of any organized counter-protests.

The Epoch Times encountered a group of high school students from Alabama, all adorned in Trump campaign apparel. Some in the group indicated they stumbled upon the anti-Trump protest by chance.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.