"Hands Off" protests to be held April 5 in Boston and across Massachusetts. Map shows protest locations.
Hundreds of "Hands Off" protests will be held across the country this weekend on Saturday, April 5, aimed at sending a message to President Donald Trump and his controversial billionaire adviser Elon Musk.
Dozens of the protests are scheduled around Massachusetts, including one on Boston Common, starting at 11 a.m. at the Parkman Bandstand.
What is the Hands Off protest?
According to a statement from national organizers, "Hands Off" is a "national day of action" that will bring members of Congress, community leaders and "everyday people" together to "call on Trump and Elon Musk to take their hands off the programs that the middle class and working families rely on."
"With Trump and congressional Republicans doubling down on their agenda to gut essential services, everyday Americans are sending a clear message: Take your hands off our healthcare, our Social Security, our civil rights, our freedom, and our education," organizers said.
President Trump and Elon Musk
Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, has fired hundreds of thousands of government workers since Trump took office in January. Musk has been named as a special government employee, but it's not clear exactly how long he will be with the administration.
The president will be in Florida this weekend, starting with a MAGA Inc. Candelight Dinner at his Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Friday night. He has not commented on the planned protests yet.
Boston protest
The Boston protest will begin with a march to City Hall Plaza, where a rally will be held. Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey heads a long list of speakers. They're expected to begin their speeches at 12:30 p.m.
"It's a time for everybody to get up from the kitchen table and say 'Hands off,'" said organizer Kate Merritt-O'Toole. "Hands off our government, hands off our constitution. Elon Musk's interference into the database of people's private information, social security, lots of concerns. Many of these things are bipartisan, like our social security. Everybody needs social security, healthcare, Medicaid, research."
Organizers said there will also be a "special acoustic set from the Dropkick Murphys." The event is expected to end around 2 p.m.
"I think it's a great idea. I mean, we're Americans, we can protest things that we don't agree with," said Boston resident Chris Barker. "It doesn't mean that we have to go out and be violent."
Weather could be a factor in the protests. Steady and heavy rain is in the forecast across Massachusetts Saturday afternoon and evening.
"Rain or shine I'll be out there," said Andre Phillips. "The more people go out at the same time, the louder the voice. So it's kind of ideal."
Is there a Hands Off protest near me?
"Hands Off" protests are planned for all 50 states and dozens of communities in Massachusetts and throughout New England. You can get more information by clicking the map below.
