Massive protests erupt in US and Europe against Trump’s policies

Over 600,000 demonstrators rally against reciprocal tariffs, deportations, and agency shutdowns.

Thousands gather in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States, to protest against the policies of President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, joining over 1,400 rallies held across the country on April 5, 2025. Photo by Christopher Mark Juhn/Anadolu

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Massive protests erupt in US and Europe against Trump’s policies as hundreds of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets on Saturday, April 5, voicing outrage over a series of controversial moves made by the Trump administration. These included the introduction of "reciprocal tariffs" that have strained international trade, the sudden shutdown of multiple federal agencies, and aggressive immigration enforcement that has led to widespread deportations.

According to event organizers, more than 600,000 people participated in over 1,400 rallies spread across all 50 U.S. states. These protests, unified under the theme Hands Off, marked one of the largest coordinated political demonstrations in recent American history since the Women’s March and anti-war protests of the early 2000s.

The wave of mobilization extended beyond the borders of the United States. In major European capitals like London, Berlin, and Paris, demonstrators gathered in solidarity with their American counterparts, protesting what many described as rising authoritarianism and international instability fueled by Trump-era policy decisions.

A coalition of causes, united in resistance

The rallies were coordinated by a broad coalition of more than 150 advocacy groups, civil rights organizations, labor unions, and veteran associations. Demonstrators assembled in symbolic locations—state capitols, federal buildings, congressional offices, Social Security Administration headquarters, city halls, and public parks—drawing attention to the issues that matter most to everyday people.

In New York, protestors marched through lower Manhattan holding banners that read “Democracy, not Dictatorship” and “Hands Off Our Rights.” In Austin, Texas, participants rallied in front of the state Capitol chanting calls for accountability and justice. From Washington, D.C., to San Francisco, and from small towns to sprawling urban centers, the message was clear: many Americans are fed up with the direction of the country under Trump’s leadership.

Rahna Epting, Executive Director of MoveOn, a major organizing group behind the protests, emphasized the widespread public support for the demonstrations.

“This peaceful protest was supported by the general public, including nurses, teachers, students, and parents, who came together to protect what is so important. We are united, we are relentless, and we are just getting started,” she said.

The atmosphere throughout the rallies remained largely peaceful, with local law enforcement reporting minimal disturbances despite the massive turnout. Volunteers provided water, medical aid, and organizational support, ensuring a coordinated and safe environment.

Personal stories from the front lines

One of the most powerful aspects of Saturday’s protests was the diversity of voices and personal experiences shared by attendees. In Los Angeles, Angela C., a mother of two and daughter of immigrants, told Xinhua that she joined the rally to defend the values she believes America once stood for.

“We are here fighting for the soul of America,” she said. “Can we still be the guiding light for progress, compassion and justice in the world as the Founding Fathers dreamed? Or follow Trump into becoming a pathetic bully brandishing a big stick as a threat to exploit every other country in the world?”

Angela’s story was echoed by many others across the nation—people who feel their voices are being ignored in Washington. In Atlanta, a group of veterans protested Trump’s treatment of allies and national institutions. In Seattle, students rallied for climate justice and the protection of science funding, both of which have suffered under the administration’s budget proposals.

Leaders and officials join the movement

Several elected officials, both current and former, showed up in support of the protests, lending their voices to the growing opposition. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu spoke passionately about the importance of preserving democratic values for future generations.

“I don’t want my children or anyone else’s to grow up in a country where threats and intimidation are tools of governance and where diversity and peace are undermined,” Wu said during a gathering in Boston Common.

In Chicago, city council members and state legislators participated in marches, highlighting local efforts to counteract federal policies at the municipal and state levels. Some pledged to introduce resolutions condemning the administration’s actions and to work on legislative safeguards against federal overreach.

White House defends administration stance

In response to the widespread protests, the White House released a statement doubling down on the administration's approach.

“President Trump will not waver from his promises to make our federal government more efficient and more accountable to the American people,” the statement read. “The administration remains committed to strong border enforcement, fair trade practices, and responsible government spending.”

Despite this stance, the protests suggest a growing disconnect between the administration and a significant portion of the American population. Analysts note that these demonstrations could signal broader political shifts ahead of upcoming elections, as energized citizens translate protest into participation at the ballot box.

A new chapter of civic engagement

While the immediate goals of the protests vary—ranging from reversing immigration policies to restoring government services and halting tariff measures—organizers say the broader goal is to foster a renewed commitment to civic engagement.

Several groups have launched voter registration drives alongside protest events, while others are planning town halls and public forums in the coming weeks to keep momentum alive. “This is not just a day of action, it’s the beginning of a movement,” said Maya James, a community organizer in Detroit.

Indeed, the sight of hundreds of thousands of people standing together, holding signs, singing, and chanting in harmony across time zones and continents, speaks to a deep desire for change. It’s a reminder that despite division, apathy, and polarization, the power of collective voices can still shape the direction of a nation.

The fact that massive protests erupt in US and Europe against Trump’s policies reflects not just opposition, but a call for a renewed national conversation about democracy, justice, and responsibility. As this wave of political energy continues to build, it remains to be seen how policymakers and the public alike will respond—but one thing is certain: millions are watching, and they are ready to act.