Los Angeles, CA (News4usOnline) — A massive crowd of protesters gathered in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday afternoon, April 5, 2025, during the “Hands Off” protest outside of Pershing Square. Demonstrators voiced their outrage over recent policies enacted by President Donald Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk.
Protesters of all ages marched through the streets, holding signs like “HANDS OFF OUR DEMOCRACY,” “ORANGE LIES MATTER,” and “NO FUTURE FOR FASCISM.” A giant Trump balloon floated above the crowd as they moved toward Los Angeles City Hall, symbolizing the defiant tone of this growing national movement.
Since returning to office, President Trump has implemented sweeping and controversial policies that have triggered widespread backlash. Among them: severe cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid—vital programs that impact millions of Americans.
An executive order targeting institutions such as the Smithsonian Museum and the National Zoo has sparked fears of ideological censorship. Critics accuse the administration of attempting to suppress free expression and stifle cultural voices.
Meanwhile, reports have surfaced of increasing repression: the arrest and deportation of student protesters, defunding of universities, pressure on the judiciary, and intimidation of journalists.
At the core of this governmental restructuring is the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by Elon Musk. Under Musk’s leadership, DOGE has initiated mass layoffs across federal agencies like Health and Human Services, the IRS, NASA, the Social Security Administration, and the Department of Defense—all under the banner of reducing government spending.
Protesters say the cuts and actions are anything but efficient—and instead represent an attack on democratic values.
Mark Lynch, who traveled from Orange County to attend the protest, expressed his concern
“I think the man is a crook. Coming from Europe, I grew up learning about the dangers of fascism, and now I’m seeing it happen here,” he said.” I’ve lived here 30 years—I’m an American citizen—and I’m shocked that people voted him in.”
Lynch described the emotional impact of the demonstration.
“This is the best feeling ever. There are so many issues, it’s hard to count them,” remarked Lynch. “All my friends and family are worried. I think there’s a kindness disappearing from the U.S.—a benevolence that used to be here. Everyone in this country is an immigrant. This country was built by immigrants and always will be.”
Guillermo Rivera also joined in the demonstration. Rivera said everyone’s feeling the brunt of what’s happening in the nation’s capital.
“Honestly, it’s everything since day one—taking away rights. Veterans, Palestine, Ukraine—it impacts all of us. My wife works for a community college already seeing cuts. They live in constant anxiety that their programs will be next,” replied Rivera.
Angelica Mercado shared her concerns over the growing inequities.
“All the DEI cuts, deportations, national parks, Medicaid, healthcare—Elon Musk is taking everything while getting eight million dollars a day. It’s just corrupt. My parents rely on Medicaid,” Mercado said. ‘My students are scared. Now they’re telling us we can’t even say words like ‘women,’ ‘equality,’ or ‘race.’ And they’re defunding free lunch programs—it’s ridiculous.”
“We just want Congress and elected officials to see that we’re against this. Silence is surrender, and we’re not going to surrender. They need to step up.”
The “Hands Off” protest in Los Angeles was one of many held across the country. The message from organizers and participants is clear: they will not back down.
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