NYC protests held as part of national "Hands Off!" movement against Trump administration actions
Thousands protested in New York City on Saturday as part of the nationwide "Hands Off!" movement against the Trump administration's recent actions.
The massive turnout shut down part of Midtown Manhattan.
The demonstrations come after two days of huge losses on Wall Street followed President Trump's announcement of steep tariffs, which also sparked fears of a global trade war and recession.
Organizers said at least one protest was planned in every state, including many in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, as part of the national day of action.
"Hands Off!" protest in NYC draws thousands to streets
Starting in Bryant Park, thousands of demonstrators holding signs gathered along Fifth Avenue and marched to Madison Square Park.
Many of those who spoke to CBS News New York said the turnout was bigger than anybody expected, and they were all marching for different reasons, including protesting government downsizing, economic inequality and threats to human rights.
"I'm actually representing the United Federation of Teachers, and we are very upset about the cuts to the Board of Education," protester Stephanie Kim said.
"Women's rights, at the moment. I'm pregnant," another protester said. "In case anything happens to me, I want to make sure that I'm able to have the right care."
"Losing our money, all our 401ks for retired people. We don't work anymore. You just don't get that back," protester Elaine DeAngelis said.
The more than 1,500 nationwide protests were organized by more than 150 groups, including civil rights organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union.
"New Yorkers are here today, Americans around the country are out in the streets saying no way, we're not going to give up without a fight," said Donna Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union.
Organizers said slashed funding for Medicare and Medicaid, social security and other programs that working and middle class Americans rely on are a major cause of concern.
"It hurts a lot to watch what's happening to the country," protester Tresa Hall said.
"Quite frankly, it's not just us here. It's what's happening in the world," protester Alan Dunkelberger said.
When asked about the protests, the White House said in a statement, in part, "President Trump's position is clear: he will always protect social security, Medicare, and Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries..."
Experts fear global trade war will spark recession
JPMorgan analysts raised the odds of a worldwide recession to 60% after markets ended their worst week in five years Friday, which experts blamed on the new U.S. tariffs.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said consumers will be feeling the pain.
"It is now becoming clear that tariff increases will be significantly larger than expected. And the same is likely to be true of the economic effects, which will include higher inflation and slower growth," Powell said.
Mr. Trump made no public appearances Friday. He headed out for a round of golf in Florida and posted on social media, "Only the weak will fail."
Trump administration officials insisted markets will rebound as American manufacturing is restored.
"Big business is not worried about the tariffs because they know they are here to stay," the president posted later Friday evening.
New Yorkers worry about price increases
Despite the White House's claim, the plunging markets have some New Yorkers worried about their wallets.
"I think we should all be scared, we don't know what's next. It's going going to affect a lot of people," Olga Payne, of Queens Village, said.
"Job security, everything going up, talking about eggs, what's next? Every day it's something new," Laurie Harrigan, of Deer Park, Long Island, said.
"Who's going to want to invest in the U.S. when it's in a state like this?" said Christy Sacks, of Brooklyn.
Mr. Trump insists the tariffs will spur job growth and an economic boom, calling the immediate effects "growing pains."
