HOUSTON – April 5, 2025 – More than 600,000 protesters gathered for over 1,200 “Hands Off” demonstrations nationwide on Saturday, targeting President Donald Trump and Elon Musk‘s policies regarding federal government cuts and potential rollbacks on social programs.
In Houston alone, over 5,000 people gathered at City Hall, joining additional protests in Conroe and The Woodlands. The protests were fueled by rising concerns about the Trump administration’s proposed reductions to vital services like healthcare, Social Security, and Medicare.
“We’re saying no to harming our healthcare and social safety net,” declared Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee, who spoke at the rally. Protesters carried signs that read, “Hands Off Our Healthcare and Courts” and shouted, “Stop the Coup,” as they expressed fears of losing crucial government support for the vulnerable.
Activists have become increasingly vocal about what they perceive as an erosion of democratic norms. “We’ve seen our rights to protest trampled. The checks and balances have been stripped away,” said one protester, linking recent policy shifts to economic instability.
Additionally, the demonstrations reflected anger surrounding recent tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, which led to a significant drop in the stock market. Protesters like Cathy Courtney emphasized the need to protect essential services saying, “Don’t hurt our Social Security or our Medicare or our Medicaid.”
Critics have argued these changes threaten vital programs, while supporters, such as Republican analyst Vlad Davidiuk, defended Trump’s initiatives, insisting no cuts would affect Social Security. “We need reforms not only in government but also in Social Security and Medicare,” he remarked, seeking to reframe the conversation around efficiency, not elimination.
Local issues also sparked protests, with some Houston residents criticizing Mayor Turner for neglecting street repairs and public spending. Protester Josue lamented, “He’s refusing to listen to residents who say, don’t waste our money tearing up safe streets.”
The organizers stated they would keep rallying until they see real changes. Protests addressing healthcare will continue, with another “Hands Off” event scheduled for May 31.
As these protests unfold, it remains uncertain whether they will spur lasting political change or if the new reforms will address the dissent among the populace. Only time will reveal how the ongoing situation plays out.
