Hundreds of cities, tens of thousands of people, more than a thousand actions across the country — the United States was engulfed in a wave of protests against President Donald Trump. On Saturday, Americans turned out for the largest demonstrations since the Republican returned to power, outraged by his decisions in the first weeks of the term. Under the slogan Hands Off! (“Hands off!”) human rights defenders, veterans, trade unions, activists for fair elections joined the protest movement – more than 150 organizations joined forces to remind Trump: society is watching his every move.
From Manhattan to Alaska, from Seattle to Los Angeles, people chanted their demands and carried placards that read things like “Fight the oligarchy,” “Save Social Security,” “Oligarchy is not a democracy,” “These clowns are stealing from you,” “He’s bankrupt six times,” “Deport Elon Mas.” The Associated Press agency offers to review the protest slogans of the protesters in the streets photo galleries.
All the protests on the streets were peaceful, but the anger was palpable. Protesters condemned the downsizing of the state apparatus, mass firings of officials, the closing of social security offices, the crackdown on migrants, the curtailment of medical programs and the strengthening of authoritarian rhetoric. The actions in the USA became not only a manifestation of protest, but also a marker of the revival of the opposition movement in America. And, it seems, more determined than ever.
“They’re Undressing America”
Photo: handsoff2025.com
This map of the protest movement was published on the website of the national mobilization “Hands Off!”, directed against the policies of President Donald Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk. You can also find out about the position of the protesters here: “This is a nationwide mobilization to stop the most brazen power grab in modern history. Trump, Musk and their billionaire cronies are orchestrating an all-out assault on our government, our economy, and our basic rights, which Congress supports at every turn. They want to strip America piece by piece — closing welfare offices, laying off essential workers, rolling back consumer protections, and gutting Medicaid. All to fund their tax scam billionaires. They are handing over our tax dollars, our public services, and our democracy to the super rich. If we don’t fight back, there will be nothing left to save.”
“This time I will come with impeachment.” Congressman from Texas promises to remove Trump
As we can see, American society is increasingly expressing its dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump. One of the most consistent critics was Texas Democrat Al Green. During the rally in Washington, held under the slogan “Hands Off!“, he stated about the intention to introduce new articles of impeachment against the current head of state — and to do so within the next 30 days.
“He does not deserve this position. We need the Senate to convict him this time. I know: he is Goliath. He has control over the generals, over the Ministry of Justice, over the Republican Party. But, my friends, for every Goliath there is a David“, – Green said to the participants of the protest.
“And I want you to know, Mr. President: this David will not back down. I will bring articles of impeachment against you. I’m following you. I am your David”, – repeated the congressman, emphasizing that for him it is a matter of principle.
Al Green has promised to initiate impeachment before – as recently as two months ago. The reason for the protest reaction was Trump’s statement that the United States should take control of the Gaza Strip. In a speech to Congress on February 5, Green responded: “Injustice in Gaza is a threat to justice in the United States.” At the rally, he continued this opinion: “The Gaza Strip is not a future resort. It should be a home for the Palestinian people“.
Although Green’s previous attempts to initiate Trump’s impeachment have been defeated, he is not backing down. At the same time, the opposition congressman himself was recently condemned by the House of Representatives for violating the rules – on February 2, Green was officially condemned for interrupting Trump’s speech in Congress. This made him the 28th member of the House to be formally convicted in this manner.
The White House has already reacted to Green’s protest activity. Assistant press secretary Liz Huston wrote in a commentary for The Hill that President Trump “has been clear about his position: he will always protect Social Security, health care programs for those who are entitled to these programs by law. Giving them to foreigners will undermine the well-being of older Americans.”
Obama vs. Trump: “It’s time not just to talk, but to act”
Former US President Barack Obama spoke with sharp criticism of Donald Trump’s policies, calling on Americans, universities and law firms to stand up for democratic values. Speaking at Hamilton College in New York, he warned: In the new political reality, the defense of free speech and justice may have to sacrifice comfort and funding.
“For a long time, it was easy to say you were for social justice or free speech — and not pay the price. But now the situation has changed“, Obama said, accusing the Trump administration of intimidation of universities, attempts to rewrite the rules of protests and increased censorship under the guise of fighting anti-Semitism.
Obama was outraged that the federal government is threatening to cut funding to universities that persist in their support of student protests. “If you give in to pressure so easily, why do you need such a large endowment?” – he noted ironically. Let’s explain Obama’s position. Reserve funds, or endowments (from the English endowment), are large monetary assets that universities accumulate thanks to donations from alumni, patrons, and partners. These funds are invested, and profits from them are used to fund scholarships, research, teaching positions, library support, and more.
In prestigious American universities – such as Harvard or Princeton – endowments can reach tens of billions of dollars. Obama’s idea is that universities with such financial resources are able to avoid political pressure and protect academic freedom — even if it means losing state funding.
Separately, Obama criticized the administration for cracking down on foreign students who participated in pro-Palestinian rallies and for pressuring law firms linked to investigations into Trump.
“Imagine if I did something like that, – emphasized Obama. — Neither my predecessors nor society would have tolerated this“. He urged not to be silent: “This is the moment when it is not enough to simply be “for” – it is time to act.”
Harris: “I won’t say ‘I warned you'”
Former Vice President Kamala Harris also hit out at Donald Trump’s actions after he returned to the White House, saying that much of what is happening now was completely predictable. “I’m not going to say ‘I warned you,'” she said with a smile at the Leading Women Defined summit. The publication writes about it CNN. Harris admitted: there is a feeling of fear in the country. “We see organizations falling silent. We see how some succumb to frankly unconstitutional threats. This is what has been happening in our country every day for the past months — and it is, understandably, frightening“, she said.
Of particular concern was the deal Trump announced this week with the law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher, where Harris’s husband, Doug Emgoff, works. The firm has agreed to provide at least $100 million in pro bono legal services during his second term, the president said. This is yet another example of Trump using his influence to make deals with law firms seeking to avoid his political disgrace.
Emghoff himself previously stated: “The rule of law is under attack. Democracy is under attack. And every lawyer must do his part to counter it.” Addressing the audience, Harris added that while fear does have the ability to spread, so does courage. “When one person is afraid, it is transmitted to others. But, my dear friends, courage is also contagious”, she said.
