Lock the White House Watch Newsletter for free
Your Guide to Washington and the World’s 2024 US Election Means
Tens of thousands of anti-Trump protesters gathered in cities around the world on Saturday as tariffs and cuts on government agencies mined the first big wave of protests against the administration.
The rally came days after Trump overturned the global economy and reduced market value by using an emergency that is rarely called to unlock tariff hikes in almost every country in the world.
Those present at the protest cited a list of administrative policies from offensive trade collection, layoffs of federal labor force, deportation of legal immigrants, attacks on transgender communities, invasions of Greenland, and threats from Elon Musk’s so-called government efficiency sector.
Protesters also gathered in European cities, including London, Lisbon and Paris, to demonstrate in front of the Tesla showroom in Berlin. Electric vehicle manufacturers have been the focus of protests against billionaire chief executives, with multiple attacks on vehicles and dealers across the United States.
Protesters at Washington’s National Mall (large gathering) held placards with slogans such as “Penguin against tariffs,” “Send masks to Mars,” and “Make my 401k a lot again.”
Asked not to use his last name, Peter said he came from Annapolis, Maryland, to attend the rally, in response to what was deemed a “attack on democracy” by both Trump and Musk.
Maya, a Washington resident, demanded that she be concealed, and said she was protesting “billionaire oligarchy,” adding that “tariffs hurt the working class.”
“Hands Off!” The movement, which has organized protests in over 1,000 cities and towns across the United States, is supported by advocacy groups focusing on everything from abortion rights to climate change. But they have tried to reach Americans across the political spectrum by putting their most emphasis on economic issues that fear tariffs, sharp stock markets and shifts to social security.
“This day of massive mobilization is a message to the world that we don’t agree to the destruction of government and the economy,” read One Digital Flyer for the Washington rally.
Organizers and Democrats seized Musk’s unpopularity to stimulate protesters and voters. His preferred candidate, Brad Simel, was cut off on Tuesday in a Wisconsin Supreme Court race.
Saturday’s protests are the first major demonstrations against the administration since Trump launched his second term in January. The president’s return to power has been greeted so far by a muted, largely confused response from the left in America, in contrast to massive unrest, including the march of women who reached his first presidency.
Meanwhile, Democrats have been plagued by the factional fight over how to respond to the administration’s agenda.
Speakers at the Washington rally called on Democrats and Republican representatives to use their powers in Congress to oppose Trump’s economic policies as well.
“Taxes are not only unfaithful, they are illegal and unconstitutional, and we intend to turn this around,” said Jamie Ruskin, Maryland representative who led the democratic blunder on Donald Trump during the January 6 riot.
