They came out in defense of national parks and small businesses, public education and health care for veterans, abortion rights and fair elections. They were against tariffs and oligarchs, dark money and fascism, the deportation of legal immigrants and the Department of Government Efficiency.
Demonstrators had no shortage of causes as they gathered in towns and cities across the country on Saturday for a day of protest against President Donald J. Trump’s policies. Rallies were planned in all 50 states, and images of some of the earliest posted on social media showed crowds in places like St. Augustine, Fla., and Buffalo, and marchers in rainy Frankfort, Ky.
The mass action, “Hands Off!,” was planned at a time when many on the left have bemoaned what they considered a lack of strong resistance to President Trump. The president has moved aggressively to punish people and institutions he viewed as out of step with his ideology.
The rallies were organized by Indivisible, MoveOn and several other groups that led protests about abortion rights, gun violence and racial justice during the first Trump administration. Organizers said they hoped to shift the emphasis to pocketbook issues like health care and Social Security, with the message that President Trump is making life harder for the average American while benefiting his richest friends.
They also moved away from focusing on massive demonstrations, like the 2017 Women’s March on Washington, to instead plan dozens of local gatherings in communities large and small.
Judging by the waving placards, some demonstrators had specific issues, while others opposed the Trump administration and MAGA movement in general. “Hands off my money, rights, democracy,” one sign proclaimed. “Make lying wrong again,” said another.
Katie Benner contributed reporting.
Shaila Dewan covers criminal justice — policing, courts and prisons — across the country. She has been a journalist for 25 years. More about Shaila Dewan
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