On April 5, 2025, several hundred protesters assembled in front of the Richard Shelby Federal Courthouse on University Boulevard in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, as part of the nationwide “Hands Off!” demonstrations. These protests were directed against President Donald Trump and Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) head Elon Musk, expressing opposition to recent administrative policies.
The Tuscaloosa rally was one of over 1,100 similar events held across all 50 states, organized by a coalition of progressive groups and unions. Participants voiced concerns over policies perceived to favor the wealthy and undermine social programs like Social Security and Medicaid. Critics highlighted actions such as mass federal layoffs and agency closures, attributing these moves to the influence of Musk in his role at DOGE.
In addition to domestic protests, international demonstrations occurred in cities including London, Paris, Berlin, and Stockholm, indicating global solidarity against the administration’s policies. Despite the widespread dissent, the White House maintained that President Trump remains committed to protecting key social programs.
The “Hands Off!” movement aims to unite individuals across political ideologies in defense of democratic values and social welfare programs, reflecting a significant moment of civic engagement and public discourse in the United States.
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