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Nationwide Protests Erupt Against Trump and Musk Policies
Demonstrations are taking place across the United States and internationally as citizens gather to protest what organizers are calling an “illegal power grab” by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Organized by over 150 groups, including civil rights organizations, labor unions, and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, these widespread protests are occurring in more than 1,200 locations, reflecting growing public discontent.
“Tesla Takedown” Protests Target Musk’s Layoffs and Policies
Protests, dubbed “Tesla Takedown,” specifically targeted Tesla showrooms nationwide last weekend. These demonstrations express disapproval of Elon Musk, Tesla CEO, and his role in initiating mass federal workforce layoffs and the perceived weakening of government agencies. This action comes as Tesla faces declining sales this quarter. Musk has responded to criticism by threatening to “go after” company detractors, while the FBI has reportedly established a task force to investigate acts of vandalism and other actions directed at the electric vehicle company.
Protest Scope Broadens to Address Broader Concerns
The protests extend beyond Tesla, encompassing broader grievances against both Trump and Musk. The “Hands Off” website, a coordinating platform for the demonstrations, accuses both figures of detrimental policies, including the closure of Social Security offices, dismissal of essential workers, dismantling of consumer protections, and reductions in Medicaid. Mia Sato, a reporter for The Verge, reported from Bryant Park in Manhattan, New York City, noting significant crowd presence despite inclement weather conditions. Though the exact number of participants was unclear, Sato described the scene as “wall to wall everywhere,” despite the rain.
Washington D.C. and Milwaukee See Large Demonstrations
Lauren Feiner, reporting from Washington, D.C., described the protest there as “very big,” estimating “thousands” of attendees near the Washington Monument. She characterized the demonstration as “very peaceful and orderly,” with participants attentively listening to speakers and occasionally responding with chants. In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jessica Toman captured images of a large protest. Eyewitness accounts on social media platforms suggest a similar turnout of thousands in Milwaukee.
Protests Spread to Major Cities and Smaller Communities
Boston also witnessed a large-scale protest, with videos indicating “thousands” participating. Fox 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul broadcasted aerial footage of a massive crowd assembling at the State Capitol building in St. Paul, Minnesota. Chicago, Illinois, experienced substantial demonstrations in Daley Plaza, with a CBS Chicago livestream showing a continuous flow of thousands of people across multiple city blocks as events unfolded. The wave of protests has extended internationally, reaching cities such as Berlin, Germany, and London, England.
Smaller Cities and Towns Join the Movement
The demonstrations are not limited to major metropolitan areas. Hundreds of protesters reportedly convened in smaller cities like St. Augustine, Florida, and Riverhead, New York. In Manhattan, Kansas, vehicle horns were heard in apparent support of a local protest. Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, a town with a small population, also saw demonstrative action. These events indicate a widespread mobilization extending beyond populous urban centers.
Photo Gallery of Protest Scenes
Images from Various Protest Locations
Further visual documentation of the protests is available in a gallery featuring images from various locations, captured by reporters Mia Sato, Jessica Toman, and Chris Welch of The Verge.