Thousands rally in U.S. against Trump and Musk's policies

WASHINGTON,—Tens of thousands of demonstrators rallied across the United States on Saturday in a coordinated protest against President Donald Trump and business magnate Elon Musk, voicing opposition to sweeping changes in federal programs and executive powers.

According to organizers, over 1,200 rallies took place throughout all 50 states, along with demonstrations in neighboring Canada and Mexico. One of the largest gatherings unfolded on the National Mall in Washington, where more than 20,000 people were expected, according to event staff.

Despite overcast skies and light showers, protesters filled the grounds around the Washington Monument. Some carried banners supporting Ukraine, others held signs calling for Palestinian rights, and many criticized the Trump administration’s recent decisions.

Roughly 150 activist groups were involved, per the event website. Demonstrators voiced concerns about a range of issues, from immigration to education and healthcare, to what some described as the dismantling of federal institutions under the new Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE.

Terry Klein, a retired biomedical researcher from Princeton, N.J., said she traveled to Washington to protest “everything from trade tariffs to attacks on science funding.”

“This administration is undermining everything that defines America,” Klein said near the main stage.

Nearby, House Democrats addressed the crowd, condemning Trump’s recent executive actions and warning of long-term effects on federal systems.

Critics also expressed alarm over Musk’s role in reducing the federal workforce. With the administration’s support, DOGE has eliminated more than 200,000 federal positions. On Friday, the Internal Revenue Service began laying off 25% of its employees.

Protesters gathered outside federal offices in several cities. Near Baltimore, hundreds stood outside the Social Security Administration headquarters, opposing job cuts and policy changes.

Linda Falcao, who said she had contributed to Social Security since age 16, addressed the crowd. “I’m scared. I’ve paid in my whole life. I just want what I earned,” she said, prompting chants of “It’s our money!”

In Stamford, Conn., Sue-ann Friedman, 84, held a pink handmade sign urging protection for medical research. “I thought I’d never have to march again,” she said.

Paul Kretschmann, a retired attorney, joined his first protest there. “I’m concerned Social Security and Medicare are on the chopping block,” he said.

In Florida, where Trump spent the day golfing at his Jupiter club before returning to Mar-a-Lago, more than 400 people rallied in West Palm Beach. Drivers honked in support as they passed by signs criticizing the administration’s actions.

Back in Washington, not all attendees opposed the former president. Kyle, 20, an intern from Ohio, wore a red “Make America Great Again” cap and walked among protesters.

“Most people are polite. Some swear at me,” Kyle said, declining to give his full name.

White House assistant press secretary Liz Huston dismissed the concerns raised at the rallies.

“The president is committed to protecting Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid,” Huston said in a statement. “Democrats are the ones pushing to expand these programs to undocumented immigrants, which would drain resources.”

Protests also spread overseas, with American expatriates rallying in Berlin, Frankfurt, Paris, and London. Organizers there criticized Trump’s approach to foreign and domestic policy, which they said threatens democratic norms.

Since returning to office on Jan. 20, Trump has signed numerous executive orders. Critics say the actions mirror the agenda of Project 2025, a conservative initiative aimed at reorganizing government operations and strengthening presidential authority.

Supporters view the approach as necessary to reduce bureaucracy. Opponents say it risks long-term damage to federal services and constitutional norms.

Protests extended beyond the U.S., with Americans overseas staging demonstrations across major European cities.

In Frankfurt, Germany, several hundred gathered at Opernplatz in an event organized by Democrats Abroad, the overseas branch of the U.S. Democratic Party. Participants carried signs reading “Restore Democracy” and “Hands Off Our Personal Data,” while calling for President Trump’s resignation.

In Berlin, demonstrators assembled outside a Tesla showroom. Placards urged fellow Americans living abroad to take action, with messages calling for “an end to the chaos” in the United States.

Additional protests were held in London and Paris, with participants denouncing what they described as efforts by the Trump administration to weaken democratic institutions and disrupt international cooperation.

(With files from Reuters)