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Massive protests erupted across the United States on Saturday, fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with Donald Trump’s presidency. This unprecedented mobilization represents the largest show of dissent since he took office, as supporters of an opposing movement sought to re-establish their influence after a tumultuous start to his administration.
The “Hands Off!” rallies spread to over 1,200 locations nationwide, organized by a coalition of more than 150 groups, including civil rights organizations, labor unions, LGBTQ+ advocates, veterans, and activists focused on electoral issues.
Protesters articulated their grievances against the administration’s latest actions, which include plans to lay off thousands of federal employees, close Social Security field offices, reduce the operations of key agencies, deport immigrants, curtail protections for transgender individuals, and slash health-related funding.
Key Highlights of the Protests:
Widespread ‘Hands Off’ Protests Across the Nation
Demonstrators across the country voiced opposition to what they termed Trump’s “authoritarian tendencies and agenda backed by wealthy interests.”
Organizers reported attendance exceeding 500,000 participants in cities like Washington, D.C., and across Florida and other states.
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Significant Turnout in Washington, D.C.
Tens of thousands converged on Washington, D.C., as part of a mass protest against Trump’s policies, with hopes for these demonstrations to evolve into a sustained campaign of resistance.
The atmosphere was charged with anti-Trump sentiment, visibly reflected in numerous placards and banners criticizing both the administration’s actions and specific figures such as billionaire Elon Musk for their roles in dismantling government functions and undermining democratic principles.
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Cory Booker Encourages Activism in New Jersey
Democratic Senator Cory Booker presented his powerful Senate floor address at a meeting in a gymnasium in New Jersey, motivating attendees to engage actively in resisting Trump’s agenda.
The event at Bergen Community College coincided with the national demonstrations, marked by enthusiastic support from attendees as well as interruptions from protestors.
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Obama Urges Unity for Democratic Values
Former President Barack Obama appealed to Americans, encouraging them to resist Trump’s agenda and warning of the necessity to possibly make sacrifices to uphold democratic ideals.
“For much of our lives, it has been easy to profess progressive values without facing repercussions,” Obama stated during an address at Hamilton College, emphasizing the importance of active engagement.
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Visa Revocation for South Sudanese Citizens
The U.S. government announced the revocation of all visas for South Sudanese passport holders, citing the country’s failure to accept the return of its nationals deported from the United States.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed these visa actions in a statement, highlighting the administration’s stance on immigration enforcement.
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Mahmoud Khalil: Arrest a Tactic of Repression
Mahmoud Khalil, a student activist from Columbia University, has claimed that his detainment was indicative of broader repressive strategies employed by the administration. He encouraged ongoing protests against deportation efforts directed at him and others.
Khalil, who is currently contesting deportation, was arrested on March 8, as authorities seek to remove him under regulations for non-citizens deemed threats.
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Administration Apologizes to Ukrainian Refugees
The Trump administration issued a formal apology after informing certain Ukrainian refugees that they must leave the U.S. due to an apparent error regarding their legal status. This mistake comes amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the resettinement of thousands of affected individuals.
Approximately 240,000 Ukrainians have been welcomed to the U.S. as part of the Uniting for Ukraine program established during the previous administration.
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Cruz Warns of Potential Midterm Consequences
Senator Ted Cruz cautioned his Republican colleagues about the severe electoral backlash they may face in the upcoming midterm elections if Trump’s tariffs lead to an economic downturn.
Cruz highlighted the risk of an ensuing trade war, which could devastate the U.S. economy and culminate in significant job losses domestically.
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Other Notable Events:
Severe weather conditions continue to plague the southern and midwestern U.S., resulting in flash flooding in areas already heavily impacted by ongoing storms that have produced tornadoes.
In New York, state officials have rejected the Trump administration’s demands to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in public education, notwithstanding threats to cut federal funding for these programs.
Jaguar Land Rover has announced a temporary halt on U.S. shipments of its vehicles produced in the UK, as it assesses the implications of Trump’s tariffs on imported cars.
Catching up? Here’s what happened on 4 April 2025.
Source
www.theguardian.com