Nationwide — A wave of public resistance is gaining momentum as former President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk move forward with their controversial plan to overhaul the U.S. federal government. On April 5, 2025, thousands are expected to gather at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for a mass protest organized by a coalition of progressive groups. This demonstration, part of a broader “Hands Off!” campaign, aims to send a clear message that Americans oppose what they view as the dismantling of their government for the benefit of Trump and his billionaire allies. In the lead-up to the event, major rallies have already taken place across Arizona, Colorado, and Nevada, with Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez warning that the country is at risk of becoming an oligarchy.
Much of the backlash has focused on Elon Musk, who now leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an advisory body tasked with slashing federal spending. Critics accuse Musk of pushing extreme cuts to the federal workforce and gutting vital social programs. At Tesla dealerships nationwide, coordinated “Tesla Takedown” protests have entered their fifth week, targeting Musk’s expanding political influence and his close alliance with Trump. Demonstrations have been held in dozens of states, with a “global day of action” planned for March 29.
The protests have not been without incident. Over the weekend, the FBI confirmed a rise in violent activity targeting Tesla locations, including gunfire and vandalism in at least nine states. FBI Director Kash Patel condemned the attacks, calling them acts of domestic terrorism and pledging swift justice. Tesla Takedown organizers, however, have denounced the violence and affirmed their commitment to peaceful protest, urging participants to remain nonviolent and respect public safety.
Another major demonstration is set for April 5 at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., as part of the “Hands Off!” campaign. Organized by Indivisible and other progressive coalitions, the rally aims to highlight what activists describe as the Trump administration’s attempt to seize and dismantle key government institutions. A message from the group reads, “Donald Trump and Elon Musk think this country belongs to them. They’re taking everything they can get their hands on, and daring the world to stop them.”
Despite the growing resistance, the White House has dismissed the protests as futile. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt told USA Today, “Anyone who thinks protests, lawsuits, and lawfare will deter President Trump must have been sleeping under a rock for the past several years.” Still, organizers of Hands Off! insist they will keep mobilizing. “We do not consent to the destruction of our government and our economy,” they declared. “This is about building a movement to stop the chaos and fight back against the looting of our country.”