Nationwide Protests Erupt Against Trump and Musk in the U.S.

A wave of protests swept across the United States on April 5, targeting President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk. Nearly 1,200 demonstrations took place in cities including Washington, D.C., and New York, marking one of the largest single-day anti-Trump movements in recent history.

Despite overcast skies and light rain, thousands gathered in front of the National Monument in Washington, D.C., where various organizations participated in the anti-Trump rally. In New York, crowds chanted in support of Palestine, holding Palestinian flags and placards demanding an end to the genocide in Gaza. Protesters denounced Israeli attacks and rallied against Trump’s support for these actions, displaying a large banner listing the names of Palestinians who have been killed, under the slogan “Hands Off,” which signifies a call for autonomy.

More than 150 groups participated in the protests, including the organization “Indivisible.” Co-founder Ezra Levin stated, “We want to send a clear message to Trump, Musk, Republican Congress members, and their allies that any interference with American democracy will not be tolerated.”

According to the movement’s website, around 150 activist groups joined the demonstrations, which were not limited to the U.S. but also extended to Canada and Mexico. Retired biomedical scientist Terry Klein from Princeton expressed, “I came out against Trump’s immigration policy, his stance on D.O.J. matters, tariffs, and education—everything. Our entire country is under threat.”

Many attendees carried placards reading “Free Palestine” and displayed Ukrainian flags. Democratic members of Congress also criticized Trump’s policies. Wayne Hoffman, a 73-year-old retired money manager from New Jersey, noted, “These tariffs will harm farmers in red states and threaten jobs.”

84-year-old Su-An Friedman arrived with a bright pink poster, stating, “People like Musk and Trump are forcing me back onto the streets.” Meanwhile, 74-year-old retired lawyer Paul Kreitsman participated in a protest for the first time, expressing his fears about the potential destruction of Social Security, calling it a conspiracy to dismantle government structures.