Staff Reports
On April 5, 2025, the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul became the epicenter of a massive protest as part of the nationwide “Hands Off!” movement. Drawing an estimated 25,000 participants, this rally was one of the largest demonstrations in Minnesota since the Women’s March in 2017, reflecting widespread opposition to President Donald Trump’s administration and its policies. Organized by groups like MN50501, Indivisible Twin Cities, and Women’s March Minnesota, the event was part of a coordinated effort across all 50 states and even internationally to challenge what protesters described as a “billionaire takeover” of government.
The rally in St. Paul featured speeches from prominent figures such as Senator Amy Klobuchar and Representative Betty McCollum, alongside activists and everyday Minnesotans impacted by recent federal actions. Protesters voiced their anger over sweeping layoffs of federal workers, cuts to Social Security services, and the downsizing of government agencies led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Disabled war veteran Joy Marver shared her story of losing her job at the Department of Veterans Affairs, highlighting the human toll of these policies. The crowd responded with chants and applause, signaling their determination to resist what they see as an assault on public services and workers’ rights.
The Trump administration has defended its actions as necessary reforms to streamline government and reduce waste, with Musk claiming his initiatives are saving taxpayers billions. However, critics argue that these measures disproportionately harm vulnerable populations while benefiting wealthy elites. The closure of Social Security offices and proposed cuts to entitlement programs have sparked fears among seniors and low-income Americans who rely on these services. Protesters carried signs with messages like “Hands Off Our Democracy” and “Resist,” underscoring their concerns about economic inequality and threats to civil liberties.
While President Trump spent the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, his administration dismissed the protests as partisan theatrics. A White House statement reiterated Trump’s commitment to protecting Social Security for eligible beneficiaries while accusing Democrats of advocating policies that would bankrupt entitlement programs. This response did little to quell the anger of demonstrators who view the administration’s actions as a betrayal of working Americans in favor of corporate interests.
The “Hands Off!” movement represents a growing wave of dissent against Trump’s second term and Musk’s influence over federal policy. With more than 1,400 protests held nationwide and abroad, organizers aim to sustain momentum in their fight for accountability and equity. As tensions between grassroots movements and the administration escalate, the political landscape remains deeply divided, setting the stage for continued conflict in the months ahead.
