Overview:
Protestors took to the streets in Dallas and across the US to protest Trump and Musk's policies, including tariffs, oligarchs, dark money, fascism, unlawful and unreasonable deportation and detention of immigrants, and the war in Gaza. The protest, part of a larger movement, was also notable for its social media presence, with attendees posting on Instagram, X, and TikTok from Dallas and other cities. The protest was the largest anti-Trump protests since the start of Trump's second term.
DALLAS – Dealey Plaza was occupied with hundreds of protestors this past weekend for the “Hands Off” protest. “Hands Off” was part of a larger movement of protests on April 5th throughout the country to highlight Americans’ discontent with the Trump administration’s policies and Elon Musk’s interference with White House proceedings.
Protest attendees took to posting on Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and TikTok from Dallas as well as cities like Chicago, Washington DC, Atlanta, Oklahoma City, Pensacola, San Antonio and other cities in both red and blue states.
Peaceful demonstrators from all 50 states took to their local streets to protest tariffs, oligarchs, dark money and fascism, unlawful and unreasonable deportation and detention of immigrants, and the war in Gaza among other related topics.
Joining Hands for Justice
One attendee on TikTok amid the background of the windy, overcast Saturday weather tells viewers that the streets were too crowded and Dallas Police had to block off the streets for the protest. Protest speakers delivered their anti-Trump and anti-Musk remarks from the monument to John F Kennedy in Dealey Plaza. The remainder of the grassy knoll held a host of peaceful demonstrators carrying an array of signage.
Some noteworthy signs featured language referencing the name of the protest, calling for Trump to keep his “hands off” protesters’ “democracy,” “liberties,” and “public health,” among other sayings.
Flags showing solidarity with Ukraine and Palestine were also present on Dealey Plaza. Trump has been known for his Zionistic stance on the Gaza conflict and was also recently involved in a press conference where he and Vice President J.D. Vance insulted and disrespected Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.
How “Hands Off” Is Different
USA Today reports this weekend’s round of demonstrations were expected to be the largest anti-Trump protests since the start of Trump’s second term.
In San Antonio, protestors carried similar signage and chanted phrases echoed in the streets of Dallas. The downtown San Antonio protest was marked by shouts of “Hey hey, ho, ho, Trump and Musk have got to go” amid a chorus of honks of support are seconded by complementing chants of “Say it loud, say it clear, immigrants are welcome here.”
The most notable factor about this wave of Hands Off protests is the overwhelming response from citizen journalists on social media. Some Instagram users even shamed The New York Times for their coverage on such protests, citing disappointment in the quality and quantity of “crucial op-ed writers” and the media company’s unwillingness to promote more high-value issue stories on its front page.
“Do you think your layout made any sense?” writes Instagram user ellenckaye. “You put the protests in a small box below the fold. Why? […] We demand more of you.”
While there are critics, the civilian support for the overarching message of Hands Off protests is overwhelming online. Instagram users under the same New York Times post also shared domestic and international support for the cause.
Also noted in these peaceful protests are increasing numbers of older protestors. This shows that Trump and Musks’ injustices to the American people are indisputably a multigenerational issue.
Staying Safe While Exercising Your Rights
To those planning on peacefully protesting in future rallies, it’s important to protect yourself before you go, especially during Minority Health Month. Here’s what you should know before you go:
- Develop a plan. Know the area in which you will be demonstrating well. Keep others posted on your status and whereabouts before, during, and after the event.
- Prepare for the Worst. Stay hydrated, dress appropriately for the weather, charge your cellular device, and bring a first aid kit.
- If you see something, say something. Maintain 360-degree awareness of yourself and your surroundings at all times. Be aware of any suspicious vehicles, packages or persons in the area.
- Use the OODA loop. The Human Rights Campaign recommends using “OODA Loop” (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) when exercising decision-making in high-stress situations.
- Observe: Identify the source of danger and your surroundings
- Orient: Determine where you are and where you need to go
- Decide: Choose a course of action that minimizes risk
- Act: Implement your decision and stay aware of changes in the environment
Follow these recommendations to avoid unwanted confrontations. Stay safe out there.