Thousands in Milwaukee join nationwide ‘Hands Off!’ protests against Trump, Musk
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Organizers said the protests are meant to highlight reproductive rights, voting access and other topics.
Thousands of protesters gathered in front of the Federal Building in downtown Milwaukee took part in nationwide “Hands Off!” demonstrations on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
According to organizers, the protests were meant to oppose “legislative actions threatening fundamental rights and freedoms.” They also spotlighted certain issues like reproductive rights, voting access and democracy protection.
More than 1,200 “Hands Off!” demonstrations were organized across the nation by more than 150 groups, including civil rights organizations, labor unions, LBGTQ+ advocates, veterans and fair elections activists. Madison, Appleton, Chicago, Washington, DC, Atlanta and Boston were just some of the other cities also holding demonstrations on Saturday, April 5.
This also comes on the heels of the Trump Administration’s cuts to various government agencies, along with billionaire Elon Musk’s involvement in the White House.
The nation’s most expensive Supreme Court race of all time just wrapped up on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 as well. Musk and his groups spent more than $20-million to back Brad Schimel, who ended up losing to Susan Crawford. Schimel also received an endorsement from President Donald Trump. Musk also sparked controversy during the race when he handed out multiple $1-million checks to people who signed a backed petition of his opposing “activist judges.”
“This is a consequential moment for our country,” said Ben Dombrowski, lead organizer of Milwaukee’s “Hands Off!” event. “Now is the time for Milwaukee communities to come together in a big way to stand for fundamental rights, not just for the privileged, but for everyone… This protest ensures lawmakers, oligarchs, and those in authority hear the people clearly: Hands off our bodies, our expression, our votes, our future. Milwaukee is taking a stand.”
Democratic Congresswoman Gwen Moore and newly elected Milwaukee alderperson Alex Brower also spoke at Saturday’s protest in Milwaukee.
“When they told us that they were closing down departments… when they told us to just lay down and take it. What did we do? We fought back,” Moore said on Saturday.
At last check, the Trump administration has not given any statement on Saturday’s nationwide demonstrations.
