On April 5, a Hands Off 2025 protest met at Orlando’s City Hall to voice concerns over the current Trump Administration. The protest, which began at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, slowed traffic and filled parking garages. All of this for a demonstration that brought hundreds of residents to meet downtown.

HandsOff 2025 is described as a nationwide protest against Donald Trump and Elon Musk. The website very aptly explains their position; “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 website takes care to explain that these protests are peaceful, and that atmosphere was apparent. Navigating the crowd – despite the density of people – was easy, and there were people of all walks of life. Some were older folks waving signs that read “You’re Pissing Off Grandma,” others were younger folks who were as young as ten-to-twelve years old. 

Retired veterans, scientists, and scholars were all present at the demonstration. They waved signs that clearly demonstrated their rhetoric.

Many signs were scornful of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, which has been responsible for downsizing the U.S. government in an effort to reduce spending and eliminate fraud; a process which has cut hundreds of thousands of jobs. Many feel cheated by his policies as his power comes from an unelected position.

“We’re not excited about what President Donald Trump or what Elon Musk have been doing,” says Ryan, a protestor. He was excited to come show his support with his girlfriend, and he physically swayed as he spoke. “I think the radical changes that they have been making without congressional approval is antithetical to what America stands for.” 

President Donald Trump’s economic policies were called into question by protestors as well. Several signs protested Donald Trump’s proposed cuts to Social Security, cuts to Veteran’s Affairs, and high tariffs. “They want to strip America for parts… all to bankroll their billionaire tax scam.” This statement is displayed on their website.

This protest comes days after “Liberation Day,” where Donald Trump passed wide-spreading tariffs that have sent shockwaves through the stock market and fears of recession. 

The crowd saw overwhelming support from many passersby. Cars drove past, honking in support of a variety of call-to-action signs.

That didn’t stop Barbara, a counter protestor, from coming to speak at the protest. She came out with an open mind, hoping to learn where some people were coming from, and she expressed her hopes for the future.

“The people resonate with Trump because he is not a politician.” She says, “As long as he gets the job done, that’s all I care about. I don’t base my being on feelings, it’s facts and logic. So that’s why I support him.” 

The April 5 protests are the first of a wave of protests. Several other HandsOff events will continue across April, according to their website, with more activity to come. 

For every single person that gave an interview at the protest – from those chanting in the crowds to the counter-protestor by the parking garage – all shared the hope of a more united America, across political lines and across the country.