Photos: See demonstrators around the country rally in ‘Hands Off!’ protests

Hands Off! demonstrations were held across the country to protest the actions of President Trump and his billionaire advisor Elon Musk.

The Hands Off! movement protested a wide range of activities from the Trump administration, from cuts and layoffs to federal departments, to mass deportations.

Hands Off! demonstrations were organized for more than 1,200 locations in all 50 states by more than 150 groups, including civil rights organizations, labor unions, LBGTQ+ advocates, veterans and elections activists, according to the Associated Press.

NPR member station photographers documented what they saw at the rallies.

Take a look.

Connecticut

A crowd of hundreds spilled from the steps of the Connecticut State Capitol Building into Bushnell Park as protestors decried the actions of the Trump administration as part of the national 'Hands Off!' day of protest on April 5, 2025.
A crowd of hundreds spilled from the steps of the Connecticut State Capitol Building into Bushnell Park as protestors decried the actions of the Trump administration as part of the national “Hands Off!” day of protest on April 5, 2025. (Ryan Caron King | Connecticut Public)
Neal Testerman, 95, came to the 'Hands Off!' protest in Hartford with his daughter and granddaughter to protest against the Trump administration's policies — which he said he thinks will lead to the U.S. losing power on the global stage.
Neal Testerman, 95, came to the “Hands Off!” protest in Hartford with his daughter and granddaughter to protest against the Trump administration’s policies — which he said he thinks will lead to the U.S. losing power on the global stage. (Ryan Caron King | Connecticut Public)

Virginia

More than a thousand people took to the streets to protest the Trump administration's policy on Saturday, April 5, 2025 in Richmond, Virginia.
More than a thousand people took to the streets to protest the Trump administration’s policy on Saturday, April 5, 2025 in Richmond, Virginia. (Shaban Athuman | VPM News)
Peter Gregory, protests with his son, Felix, 5, along with others gathered at the Virginia State Capitol to protest the Trump administration's policy on Saturday, April 5, 2025 in Richmond, Virginia.
Peter Gregory, protests with his son, Felix, 5, along with others gathered at the Virginia State Capitol to protest the Trump administration’s policy on Saturday, April 5, 2025 in Richmond, Virginia. (Shaban Athuman | VPM News)
A person blows a whistle as they join others taking part in a protest of the Trump administration's policy on Saturday, April 5, 2025 in Richmond, Virginia.
A person blows a whistle as they join others taking part in a protest of the Trump administration’s policy on Saturday, April 5, 2025 in Richmond, Virginia. (Shaban Athuman | VPM News)

Oregon

Thousands of protesters march in Portland, Ore., protesting President Trump's administration, April 5, 2025, part of 'Hands Off!' protests taking place around the country.
Thousands of protesters march in Portland, Ore., protesting President Trump’s administration, April 5, 2025, part of “Hands Off!” protests taking place around the country. (Joni Auden Land | OPB)
'Hands Off!' protesters gather at the Universal Plaza in Tigard, Ore., on April 5, 2025.
“Hands Off!” protesters gather at the Universal Plaza in Tigard, Ore., on April 5, 2025. (Joni Auden Land/OPB)

Texas

Protesters cheer at the Texas Capitol for the 'Hands Off!' National Day of Action on Saturday April 5, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
Protesters cheer at the Texas Capitol for the “Hands Off!” National Day of Action on Saturday April 5, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Manoo Sirivelu | KUT)
Thousands gather at the Texas Capitol for the 'Hands Off!' National Day of Action on Saturday April 5, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
Thousands gather at the Texas Capitol for the “Hands Off!” National Day of Action on Saturday April 5, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Manoo Sirivelu | KUT)
Congressman Greg Casar speaks at the Texas Capitol for the 'Hands Off!' National Day of Action on Saturday April 5, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
Congressman Greg Casar speaks at the Texas Capitol for the “Hands Off!” National Day of Action on Saturday April 5, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Manoo Sirivelu | KUT)

Georgia

About 500 people from Macon, Ga, came together to protest the policies of President Trump.
About 500 people from Macon, Ga, came together to protest the policies of President Trump. (Grant Blankenship | GPB News)
Hundreds of people gathered in Macon, Ga. for the 'Hands Off!' rally.
Hundreds of people gathered in Macon, Ga. for the “Hands Off!” rally. (Grant Blankenship | GPB News)
Hundreds of people gathered in Macon, Ga. for the 'Hands Off!' rally.
Hundreds of people gathered in Macon, Ga. for the “Hands Off!” rally. (Grant Blankenship | GPB News)

California

Pastor Michael McBride leads a chant during a Hands Off! rally in Frank Ogawa Plaza on April 5, 2025.
Pastor Michael McBride leads a chant during a Hands Off! rally in Frank Ogawa Plaza on April 5, 2025. (KQED)
Juniper Tinker Ward waves a homemade sign during a protest against Elon Musk and Donald Trump in Oakland on April 5, 2025.
Juniper Tinker Ward waves a homemade sign during a protest against Elon Musk and Donald Trump in Oakland on April 5, 2025. (Aryk Copley  | KQED)
Thousands gather at Frank Ogawa Plaza in Oakland for a protest against Elon Musk and Donald Trump on April 5, 2025.
Thousands gather at Frank Ogawa Plaza in Oakland for a protest against Elon Musk and Donald Trump on April 5, 2025. (Aryk Copley  | KQED)

Colorado

The peaceful rally included a march through parts of downtown Denver.
The peaceful rally included a march through parts of downtown Denver. (Jeremy Sparig | CPR NEws)

 

In a ‘disheartening’ era, the nation’s former top mining regulator speaks out

Joe Pizarchik, who led the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement from 2009 to 2017, says Alabama’s move in the wake of a fatal 2024 home explosion increases risks to residents living atop “gassy” coal mines.

‘It’s like feeling the arms of your creator just wrapped around you’: a visit to a special healing Shabbat

Members of Temple Emanu-El in Birmingham gathered recently for their traditional Friday Shabbat service. But this particular service was different, as could be seen by all the people dressed in their finest pink.

Space Command is coming to Huntsville. What might that mean for first-time homebuyers

While Huntsville has been a more affordable market than other growing cities, what’s it been like for those looking for their first home? 

Colorado says relocation of Space Command to Alabama is ‘punishment’ for mail-in voting

The litigation announced by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser asks a federal judge to block the move as unconstitutional.

Breaking down Alabama’s CHOOSE Act

It’s been a year since Alabama legislators passed the CHOOSE Act allowing families to apply for state funds to use towards homeschool expenses and tuition for participating private schools. The Alabama Daily News’ education reporter Trisha Powell Crain has been diving into how the funds are being used. WBHM’s Andrew Gelderman sat down with her to talk about what we’re seeing so far.

Huntsville is growing fast. Here’s how it’s stayed affordable

Home prices are rising in Huntsville, but so far, the city’s avoided the skyrocketing costs in other boom towns.

More Front Page Coverage