Thousands Gather in Rochester to Protest Trump and Musk
- Staff Report
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
Over 4,000 demonstrators convened at Cobbs Hill Park in Rochester, New York, Saturday, as part of the nationwide "Hands Off!" protests opposing the policies of President Donald Trump and his advisor, Elon Musk.
The rally, organized by Indivisible Rochester, featured speakers who addressed concerns over cuts to social programs, threats to civil liberties, and government restructuring. Tracey Harrison, vice president of local 1199 SEIU, highlighted the detrimental effects of healthcare funding reductions, stating, "We are witnessing devastating cuts to hospitals, healthcare funding, leading to chronic understaffing and unsustainable workload. Healthcare workers are being pushed to the brink, and patients are paying the price."
Participants marched along Culver Road, holding signs and chanting slogans that called for the protection of democracy and social welfare programs. The Rochester event was one of over 1,200 "Hands Off!" demonstrations organized across all 50 states, with support from more than 150 groups, including civil rights organizations, labor unions, LGBTQ+ advocates, veterans, and election activists.
Connor O'Brien, an organizer with Indivisible Rochester, emphasized the importance of collective action, stating, "We are here to express unity. It's gonna be a peaceful demonstration, but it's powerful because we are not gonna sit down. This is our chance to stand up."
Similar rallies occurred in cities nationwide, including Washington, D.C., where demonstrators gathered on the National Mall to protest the administration's policies. Internationally, solidarity events took place in cities such as London, Paris, Berlin, and Stockholm, reflecting global concern over the U.S. administration's actions.
The "Hands Off!" movement describes its campaign as an effort to halt "the most brazen power grab in modern history," citing issues such as the dismantling of social programs, attacks on civil rights, and the centralization of power within the administration.
Despite the widespread demonstrations, the White House maintains that President Trump is committed to protecting key social programs and advancing his policy agenda.
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