Analyzing the “Hands Off!” Protests Against Trump Administration
A nationwide day of action called “Hands Off!” saw more than 1,200 demonstrations take place across the United States, including Michigan. The rallies aimed to oppose President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk’s policies on government downsizing, the economy, human rights, and other issues.
In Michigan, rallies occurred from Marquette and Sault Ste Marie in the north to Detroit and Grand Rapids in the south. Thousands gathered in Lansing on the state capitol building’s lawn, chanting “Hands-Off” and displaying homemade signs advocating for various causes.
Colton Hughes, a state committeeman with the group 50/51 and co-organizer of the Lansing rally, expressed the protesters’ message: “We want to send a message to the oligarchs and people in our federal government who think that they can do whatever they want and take away benefits and rights from the American people.”
Meanwhile, Ann Arbor saw thousands participating in an organized rally and march, followed by a second, less structured protest that still drew a significant crowd. Signs demanding free elections, free speech, Canada, social security, and women’s rights were prominently displayed.
Despite attempts to seek comment from the White House about the protests, they did not respond to email inquiries from the Associated Press.
