Thousands rallied in Washington, D.C., and across the U.S. on Saturday in a massive show of opposition to President Donald Trump and his top adviser Elon Musk. Protesters voiced outrage over sweeping government changes and deep cuts that critics say threaten vital public services.
The day marked what organizers called the largest single-day protest of Trump’s new term, with more than 1,200 demonstrations staged in all 50 states and even in Canada, Mexico, and Europe.
Despite gray skies and rain, over 20,000 people were expected to gather at the National Mall. The protest drew a broad coalition of over 150 activist groups, with participants holding signs on issues ranging from immigration and economic policies to education, healthcare, and foreign affairs.
Terry Klein, a retired scientist from New Jersey, said she joined the rally to oppose Trump’s actions “on everything from immigration to tariffs to education. Our whole country is under attack.”
Protesters held Ukrainian flags and Palestinian signs, while Democratic lawmakers addressed the crowd, condemning Trump’s rollback of federal programs. Some worried about economic fallout. “People are losing their 401Ks. Farmers are getting hit hard,” said retired money manager Wayne Hoffman.
While most of the crowd opposed the administration, one Trump supporter, a 20-year-old intern from Ohio wearing a MAGA hat, walked the sidelines engaging in debate.
Meanwhile, Trump played golf at his Florida club and returned to Mar-a-Lago. Just a few miles away in West Palm Beach, over 400 demonstrators lined the streets with signs like “Markets tank, Trump golfs.”
Similar protests unfolded in Connecticut, where elderly participants expressed fears over cuts to Social Security and medical research. “I want my money. I need my benefits,” shouted 65-year-old Linda Falcao at a rally near the Social Security Administration in Maryland.
Anger has intensified over the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Musk, which has cut more than 200,000 federal jobs, including 25% of the IRS. Critics call it a dismantling of the government; supporters say it’s necessary reform.
The White House denied any intention to cut Social Security. “President Trump will always protect benefits for eligible Americans,” said press secretary Liz Huston, instead accusing Democrats of endangering the system.
Still, protests raged on in cities across Europe, including Berlin, London, and Paris, with Americans abroad joining in solidarity against what they see as a dangerous shift in U.S. policy.