Thousands gathered in cities and small towns across Illinois on April 5 to protest President Donald Trump and Elon Musk as part of a nationwide
"Hands Off!" movement . The more than 1,300 protests held across the country were attended by millions of people, according to the "Hands Off!" website. Here's what to know.
Why did Americans protest on April 5?
The protests' official website explains that the demonstrations were held in response to Trump and Musk's dismantling of the federal government. "This is a nationwide mobilization to stop the most brazen power grab in modern history," the website reads. "Trump, Musk and their billionaire cronies are orchestrating an all-out assault on our government, our economy, and our basic rights – enabled by Congress every step of the way." The website cites the Trump administration's firing of federal employees, shuttering of Social Security offices and attacks on Medicaid as examples of the "assault."
Where were protests held in Illinois?
Protesters gathered in cities across the U.S. and even abroad, in locations like
London and Paris , this past weekend to voice their frustrations with the government. Many demonstrations took place within Illinois as well, from college campuses to suburbs to large cities.
Peoria 'Hands Off!' protest
A sea of protestors
gathered outside Peoria stadium to express concerns about LGBTQ+ issues, federal spending cuts, women's rights and more. Soon after, counter-protesters showed up to voice support for Trump. Some members of the crowd expressed feelings of "helplessness" amidst the current Trump administration, while others lamented the treatment of immigrants in the U.S.
Chicago 'Hands Off!' protest
Thousands gathered in Chicago's Daley Plaza on Saturday
to participate in the nationwide protest , with much of the crowd spilling into nearby streets. The Chicago protest was organized by Indivisible Chicago in partnership with organizations like the Chicago Federation of Labor, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights and Sierra Club, according to CBS News. After speeches in the plaza, the crowd marched about a mile through the Loop. The protest was the largest held in Chicago since Trump took office in January, the outlet reported.
Springfield 'Hands Off!' protest
Hundreds gathered
on the steps of the state capitol in Springfield in support of the movement. Protesters even brought their children and dogs to the demonstration, chanting and holding signs up despite the rainy weather.
Rockford 'Hands Off!' protest
The protest in Rockford saw
hundreds of demonstrators as well. Protest officials say more rallies will be happening every two weeks, with the next one happening on April 19 at one p.m. and the following on May 3 at the same time.
Upcoming demonstrations
The "Hands Off!" website includes a link to another national day of action on May 1, titled
"May Day." The demonstrations will be held in protest against billionaires and the growing wealth disparity in the county, according to the website. "Trump and his billionaire profiteers are trying to create a race to the bottom – on wages, on benefits, on dignity itself," the website reads. "This May Day we are fighting back. We are demanding a country that puts our families over their fortunes – public schools over private profits, healthcare over hedge funds, prosperity over free market politics."
