Thousands of Americans took to the streets Saturday to protest President Donald Trump and his policies.
The “Hands Off” protests were organized by Democratic activists to show discontent over Trump’s policies, including border enforcement as well as the actions of the Department of Government Efficiency, per NBC News.
“We thought we would give people a chance to show their strong feelings about what the government is doing and how it is hurting lots and lots of people,” said Barbara Green, an organizer of the event in Washington, D.C.
Green said Trump’s second administration has been chaotic.
“I can’t even name all the ways things have gone off the rails,” she said.
For one protester, one of those things is Social Security.
Ramesh Boodram, of Copaigue, New York, voted for Trump and is now second guessing that decision.
“I’m a senior citizen,” Boodram said. “He wants to step in to our Social Security checks. It’s not nice.”
Boodram is also concerned with some of the promises Trump has not kept.
“I thought it would be a little better,” Boodram said. “He’s saying he’s going to drop the gas prices, the supermarket, the food stuff. But it didn’t happen.”
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In response, assistant White House press secretary Liz Huston said, “President Trump’s position is clear.”
“He will always protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries,” she said. “Meanwhile, the Democrats’ stance is giving Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare benefits to illegal aliens, which will bankrupt these programs and crush American seniors.”
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) said Saturday’s events gave Americans the opportunity to stand for “what’s right.”
“We’ve all got a role to play in our American system to stand up for the rule of law, for what’s right, for progress,” Shapiro posted on X.
“To all the patriotic Americans showing up in our cities and towns today, thank you,” he added. “Keep doing your part, raising your voice, and defending our country.”
Sarah Rhodes of Bradford, Pennsylvania, was one of those Americans who participated in a rally in McKean County, a Republican stronghold.
“I went to show my support to the group in this predominantly Republican area,” Rhodes told IJR.
Rhodes listed the many concerns she has over Trump’s administration.
“I went to protest Trump’s efforts to undermine free speech, freedom of the press, his tariffs, science, education, grants to higher education, PBS, libraries, and pretty much his whole agenda,” she said. “He is a failed business man who knows that if you repeat a lie many times, people will take it as truth. The United States has always been great; we are a caring empathetic group of people.”
“He likes to think he knows it all but doesn’t,” the retired librarian added.
