Crowds of angry protesters rallied across the United States on Saturday, from New York to Alaska, in what was described as the largest demonstration yet from opposition groups aimed at criticizing President Donald Trump’s administration. Dubbed "Hands Off!" rallies, the protests were organized in over 1,200 locations across all 50 states by more than 150 organizations, including civil rights and labor groups, LGBTQ+ advocates, and veterans. The demonstrations were reported to be peaceful, with no immediate arrests.
From bustling Midtown Manhattan to Anchorage, Alaska, thousands gathered to express their discontent with Trump's and billionaire Elon Musk's actions regarding government policies, the economy, immigration, and human rights. In Seattle, Washington, demonstrators held up signs reading "Fight the Oligarchy." In cities like Portland, Oregon, and Los Angeles, protesters marched, voicing their grievances over the administration's decisions to terminate thousands of federal employees, close Social Security offices, and reduce protections for marginalized communities, including transgender individuals.
Elon Musk, who serves as an advisor to Trump and oversees Tesla and SpaceX, has been pivotal in government downsizing by leading the newly established Department of Government Efficiency. Musk claims that his initiatives are projected to save taxpayers billions of dollars.
In a separate development, President Trump announced new tariffs on imports from nearly all U.S. trading partners, a move that follows disappointing election outcomes for his party in Wisconsin and Florida. This new economic strategy, which Trump has long supported, emphasizes a protectionist approach to foreign policy. Analysts suggest that these tariffs could potentially lead to inflation and a recession, raising concerns even among Republican lawmakers about the party's electoral viability as Democrats feel encouraged by what they perceive as Trump's overreach.
International tensions are also prominent, with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meeting military leaders from the UK and France to discuss the possibility of a multinational peacekeeping force aimed at deterring Russian aggression. This dialogue continues amidst reluctance from U.S. President Trump to commit to security guarantees for Ukraine.
In Gaza, the ongoing conflict remains intense, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with Trump to discuss various pressing issues, including the war in Gaza and the economic tariffs affecting Israel. Since the eruption of violence, hundreds of Palestinians have been killed, and Israel has halted humanitarian assistance to the region.
In the U.S. South and Midwest, severe weather continues to wreak havoc, with at least 16 fatalities reported due to flooding and tornadoes, as heavy rain exacerbates conditions. The National Weather Service has warned of additional flooding, and multiple states are experiencing rising river levels.
As these events unfold, public attention remains divided, with protests highlighting disenchantment with U.S. domestic policies and foreign affairs sparking discussions around military strategy and humanitarian efforts. Observers note that both the domestic landscape and international relations are entering a volatile period, reflecting the complexities of Trump's administration as he navigates between populist policies and global challenges.
Amidst these political and social upheavals, cultural milestones are also occurring, such as Alex Ovechkin tying Wayne Gretzky's NHL goal record. As Ovechkin celebrated on the ice, it served as a reminder of the emotional intensity present both in sports and politics, where individuals and groups are under continual scrutiny.
Facing these challenges, Iran is contending with its own crisis, as the rial currency has plummeted to a record low against the dollar. The Iranian economy is grappling with the fallout from renewed international sanctions that have compounded economic instability.
