On Saturday, April 5, 2025, approximately 8,000 people gathered at the Colorado State Capitol in Denver to voice their opposition to the Trump administration. This event was part of the nationwide “Hands Off!” protests, which saw demonstrations in all 50 states. The protests were organized by a coalition of over 150 groups, including civil rights organizations, labor unions, and women’s rights groups. The Colorado rally was one of many events where individuals came together to express their concerns over various issues, including healthcare, immigration, and government downsizing.
The crowd at the Colorado State Capitol was a diverse mix of individuals advocating for a variety of causes. Among them were supporters of Palestinian liberation, Ukrainian solidarity, LGBTQ rights, and immigrants’ rights. Many protesters were also concerned about the recent government cuts spearheaded by Elon Musk and the administration’s actions on issues such as Social Security and federal jobs. The event featured speeches from community leaders and elected officials, including Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, who emphasized the importance of standing up for the principles on which the nation was built.
The “Hands Off!” protests were not just limited to Colorado. Over 1,300 demonstrations were planned across the United States, with organizers reporting millions of people participating. These protests were described as the first “mass mobilization” against the Trump administration, drawing comparisons to the 2017 Women’s March and the 2020 George Floyd protests. Unlike protests during Trump’s first term, which were primarily focused in Washington D.C., the “Hands Off!” protests were intentionally spread throughout the nation to maximize their impact.
In addition to the main rally at the Colorado State Capitol, smaller protests were held in cities such as Fort Collins, Loveland, and Colorado Springs. These local events featured speakers and marches, allowing residents from across the state to participate in the movement. Many attendees at the protests expressed a sense of unity and empowerment, feeling that their collective voices could bring about change. The peaceful nature of the protests also highlighted the organizers’ commitment to nonviolent demonstration.
The protesters had several key demands, including an end to what they perceived as an “illegal power grab” by Trump, Musk, and Congressional Republicans. They also called for an end to cuts in federal funding for programs like Medicaid and Social Security, protection of public lands, and an end to attacks on immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community. These demands reflect a broader concern over the direction of the country under the current administration and a desire to protect the rights and well-being of marginalized communities.
As the “Hands Off!” protests continue to gain momentum, organizers and participants are looking to maintain the pressure on elected officials to address their concerns. The movement has shown that there is a significant portion of the population willing to take a stand against the Trump administration’s policies. Future actions and events will likely continue to focus on these key issues, with the hope of bringing about meaningful change and protecting the values that many Americans hold dear.
