In a powerful show of global solidarity, thousands of protestors gathered across European cities on Saturday, April 5, as part of the growing “Hands Off!” movement—a mass mobilization pushing back against U.S. President Donald Trump and his top advisor, billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk.
The protests are being held in direct response to Trump’s controversial policies and recent global tariffs that have sent economic shockwaves through financial markets. The message from the streets is clear: hands off Social Security, Medicaid, federal jobs, and democratic institutions.
“Massive ‘Hands Off!’ Protests Against Trump & Musk Shake Europe in 2025″
Why People Are Protesting
The “Hands Off!” movement is a grassroots campaign led by hundreds of civil rights organizations, labor unions, and advocacy groups. Their core demand is simple—Trump and Musk should stop interfering with vital public programs that protect everyday people.
Trump recently claimed in a February interview that programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid would not be affected unless “fraud or something” is found. However, these vague statements have alarmed many, especially after the administration rolled out sweeping tariffs that caused the worst U.S. market crash since 2020.
Read Also: Europe Moves Closer to China After Trump’s Tariff Backfire
European Cities Join the Fight
While the bulk of the 1,200+ protests are happening across the United States, European cities also lit up in support. Demonstrators took to the streets in London, Berlin, Paris, Lisbon, and Frankfurt, turning public spaces into scenes of resistance:
- In London’s Trafalgar Square, protestors held signs reading:
- “Elect a clown, you get a circus”
- “Putin’s useful idiot”
- “Freedom not fascism”
- In Berlin, the protests focused on Tesla showrooms, reflecting growing anger at Musk’s leadership in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where he has pushed for federal job cuts. Tesla’s sales in the EU have fallen by 49% year-on-year in early 2025, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).
- Frankfurt’s protest was led by Democrats Abroad, the official Democratic Party branch for Americans living outside the U.S. Signs read “Restore Democracy,” and participants called for the protection of global democratic values.
- Across France, events were held in Nice, Lyon, Paris, and Toulouse, with hundreds RSVPing online through Democrats Abroad’s platforms.
A Call for Peaceful Resistance
According to the official “Hands Off!” website, the movement’s goal is nonviolent action. They urge protestors to act lawfully, emphasizing that Trump and Musk are consolidating power and enriching themselves at the public’s expense.
“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,” the site reads.
Leaders Warn of Global Impact
Following the new tariffs, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen voiced strong concern, warning that such protectionist moves would destabilize the global economy and fuel more uncertainty.
“The global economy will massively suffer,” she said. “Uncertainty will spiral and trigger the rise of further protectionism.”
Read Also: EU Warned Against ‘Tit-for-Tat’ Tariffs on US as Trump’s Trade War Escalates
Final Thoughts
From New York to Paris, Berlin to San Francisco, the world is rising in protest. The “Hands Off!” movement is not just about policies—it’s about protecting democracy, economic stability, and the rights of the people. As these protests continue to grow, the pressure on Trump and Musk is mounting, both at home and abroad.
