Protesters Rally Nationwide Against Trump and Elon Musk

Nationwide Protests Spark Outrage Over Trump and Musk-Led Policies

A wave of anger rolled through the United States this weekend as more than 1,200 coordinated protests erupted in response to President Donald Trump’s sweeping executive actions and billionaire Elon Musk’s aggressive push to shrink the federal government.

🌧️ Despite rainy weather, tens of thousands took to the streets—especially in Washington, D.C., where over 20,000 were expected to rally at the National Mall.

💥 What Sparked the Protests?

These protests come in response to:

• Trump’s rapid-fire executive orders that opponents say are overreaching.

• Elon Musk’s leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has slashed more than 200,000 federal jobs.

• Major cuts to key agencies like the IRS and Social Security Administration, raising fears among seniors and vulnerable citizens.

🔥 Voices from the Frontlines

People from across the country shared why they showed up:

• Terry Klein, a retired scientist from New Jersey, said:
  “Our whole country is under attack—from immigration to education to tariffs. This isn’t the America I know.”

• David Madden, a 75-year-old Army vet from Ohio, flew in to protest what he called:
  “A government being stolen from the people… and a system that’s failing its citizens.”

🏛️ Cuts That Hit Close to Home

One of the biggest flashpoints? The impact on Social Security.

🚨 Key facts:

• The Social Security Administration has laid off 7,000 workers and ended phone support for millions of claimants.

• DOGE-led downsizing recently forced the IRS to let go of 20,000 employees—nearly 25% of its workforce.

📍 Near Baltimore, retirees gathered outside the Social Security office to protest the changes.

• Linda Falcao, nearly 65, shouted into a megaphone:
  “I’ve paid in since I was 16. I’m scared. I want my benefits!”
  The crowd roared back, “It’s our money!”

🏛️ White House Pushes Back

In response, White House Assistant Press Secretary Liz Huston said:

"President Trump will always protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for eligible Americans. What Democrats are proposing—giving these benefits to illegal immigrants—would bankrupt the system."

Still, critics say Trump’s agenda is tied closely to Project 2025, a conservative plan to reshape U.S. government power under the presidency.

🌍 Global Solidarity

The backlash wasn’t limited to U.S. soil. Hundreds of Americans living abroad rallied in:

• Paris – Protesters gathered at Place de la République with signs reading “Save Democracy” and “Resist Tyrant.”

• Berlin, London, and Frankfurt – Americans abroad showed support for protests at home.

🗣️ Timothy Kautz, of Democrats Abroad in Germany, said:
“We’re showing the world that Americans everywhere are resisting this power grab.”