Introduction to the Protests
Thousands are expected to gather throughout the Southland on Saturday as part of a nationwide "Hands Off!" demonstrations in opposition to the Trump administration’s steep tariffs, program cuts and mass layoffs of federal workers, which protesters say are threatening essential public services, damaging social safety nets and causing higher prices and plunging financial markets.
The Demonstrations in Downtown Los Angeles
In downtown Los Angeles, demonstrators say they will carry a 20-foot balloon of the image of President Donald Trump wearing a diaper and another 15-foot-tall helium-filled balloon representing Trump wearing a Russian military uniform as protesters march along a nearly mile-long stretch of sidewalks and streets, beginning with a rally at Pershing Square at 4 p.m. Saturday.
Response from the Los Angeles County Republican Party
Los Angeles County Republican Party Chairman Roxanne Hoge said such demonstrations will have no effect on the Trump administration. "Radical leftists are protesting President Donald Trump with marches and a parade balloon?" she told City News Service. "Their boring, predictable tantrums are now part of the L.A. landscape, much like the dilapidated RVs and dangerous encampments that their policies result in. We are interested in good governance and public safety, and wish our Democrat friends would join us in advocating for both."
Expected Speakers and Participants
Speakers expected at a City Hall rally Saturday evening include actress Jodie Sweetin and comedian Francesa Fiorentini. "We’re barely two months into Trump’s chaos and the country is reeling from his reckless firing of millions of workers, the breaking up of tens of thousands of families, and plans to gut funding to our health care and Social Security," says organizer Emily Williams. "It doesn’t matter what your political party is, nearly everyone is being harmed by these punishing decisions and we’re here to oppose the destruction of these programs that millions of Americans rely on every day."
Protests and Marches Throughout the Region
At least 100 protests and marches are planned throughout the region Saturday, including events in Glendale, Riverside and Santa Ana. Organizations expected to be represented include ACLU, 50501 SoCal, Greenpeace, League of Women Voters, Planned Parenthood Action Fund and Working Families Power, according to the Hands Off! website.
Response from the White House
Trump has yet to comment on what organizers are calling a "mass mobilization day," but the White House announced it is rescheduling one of its annual spring garden tour dates Saturday due to the large anti-Trump demonstration expected to take place near 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. "Anyone who thinks protests, lawsuits, and lawfare will deter President Trump must have been sleeping under a rock for the past several years," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to USA Today. "President Trump will not be deterred from delivering on the promises he made to make our federal government more efficient and more accountable to the hardworking American taxpayers across the country who overwhelmingly re-elected him."
Preparations by Law Enforcement
The Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department say they have no special plans to deal with the protests.
Other "Hands Off!" Rallies
Other "Hands Off!" rallies throughout the Southland are set to take place Saturday at:
- Culver City Hall, 9770 Culver Blvd.
- Plaza Pasadena, 281 E. Colorado Blvd.
- Hollywood Boulevard and North Vermont Avenue, Los Feliz
- Torrance City Hall, 3031 Torrance Blvd.
- Wardlow and Del Amo Metro Station, 3420 N. Pacific Place, Long Beach; ‘Hands Off!’ protest train 2 to 3 p.m. to the DTLA march.
- City of Lakewood, 5050 Clark Ave.
- Food 4 Less, 12222 E. Carson St., Hawaiian Gardens
- Downtown Riverside, Market Street and University Avenue
- Sasscer Park, 600 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana.
Conclusion
The "Hands Off!" demonstrations are a nationwide movement to oppose the Trump administration’s policies, which are seen as harmful to essential public services, social safety nets, and the overall well-being of Americans. With thousands expected to gather in the Southland and over 100 protests and marches planned, the event is likely to draw significant attention to the issues at hand.
FAQs
- Q: What is the purpose of the "Hands Off!" demonstrations?
A: The demonstrations are in opposition to the Trump administration’s steep tariffs, program cuts, and mass layoffs of federal workers. - Q: Where will the demonstrations take place?
A: The demonstrations will take place throughout the Southland, including downtown Los Angeles, Glendale, Riverside, and Santa Ana. - Q: Who is expected to speak at the City Hall rally?
A: Actress Jodie Sweetin and comedian Francesa Fiorentini are expected to speak at the City Hall rally. - Q: How many protests and marches are planned?
A: At least 100 protests and marches are planned throughout the region. - Q: What organizations will be represented at the demonstrations?
A: Organizations expected to be represented include ACLU, 50501 SoCal, Greenpeace, League of Women Voters, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, and Working Families Power.
