Hundreds of protests swept across the United States and parts of Europe on Saturday, as thousands rallied under the banner “Hands Off” to voice opposition to the Trump administration’s controversial overhaul of the federal government, led in part by billionaire adviser Elon Musk.

The coordinated protests, reportedly numbering over 1,200 nationwide, were in response to sweeping cuts to federal agencies under the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), spearheaded by Musk.

Organisers estimated more than 250,000 people took part across the US, with rallies also held in major European cities by American expatriates.

In Washington, demonstrators gathered on the National Mall, denouncing the administration’s job-slashing reforms, which have resulted in the elimination of more than 200,000 federal positions — including 20,000 at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) alone. The Social Security Administration (SSA), which administers retirement and disability benefits for millions, has also seen significant cuts, sparking fears among retirees.

Paul Kretschmann, a 74-year-old retired attorney from Stamford, said it was the first protest he had ever attended. “My concern is that Social Security is going to be gutted,” he said. “I’m afraid that this is all part of a larger plan to dismantle the government and for Trump to maintain power.”

Among the crowd near the SSA headquarters outside Baltimore, Linda Falcao, 64, expressed anger at what she called a betrayal. “I’ve been paying into Social Security since I was 16,” she told protesters. “I need my money. I want my benefits!” The crowd responded with chants of “It’s our money!”

In New York City, hundreds gathered in Bryant Park holding signs such as “Unplug Elon” and “I can only write this because there used to be a Department of Education.” Protesters in Chicago — many of them union members — voiced concern over job security and workers’ rights. Similar gatherings were reported in Atlanta, Boston, Miami, Charlotte and other cities.

Europe joins in protest

Solidarity rallies were also held across Europe, with American expatriates and local sympathisers staging protests in Berlin, Frankfurt, Paris and London. In Paris, demonstrators at Place de la République carried banners reading “Resist Tyrant,” “Rule of Law,” and “Feminists for Freedom not Fascism.”

Timothy Kautz, a spokesperson for Democrats Abroad, speaking to Reuters, emphasised the global dimension of the unrest. “We have to show solidarity with all the demonstrations in a thousand cities today in the USA,” he said.

Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, one of the rally’s organising groups, said the demonstrations sent a clear signal. “This is an enormous demonstration sending a message to Musk, Trump and MAGA Republicans — we don’t want their hands on our democracy.”

White House responds

The White House defended the administration’s actions, stating that reforms were aimed at eliminating inefficiencies in government rather than undermining public welfare.

“President Trump’s position is clear: he will always protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries,” Assistant Press Secretary Liz Huston said in a statement. “Meanwhile, the Democrats’ stance is giving these benefits to illegal aliens, which will bankrupt these programs and crush American seniors.”

The statement did not directly address the specific job losses or agency-level disruptions reported in recent weeks.

The Trump administration, now in its second term, has implemented a series of executive actions aligned with Project 2025 — a conservative roadmap to restructure federal governance and increase presidential authority. Critics argue the move undermines democratic institutions and threatens long-established public programs.

Broader discontent

The protests also attracted other activist groups. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators participated in the Washington rally, denouncing US support for Israel's renewed military action in Gaza and the suppression of student-led protests on American campuses.

Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, addressed a crowd in Washington, saying, “The attacks we’re seeing — they’re not just political. They are personal.” She criticised what she described as the government’s targeting of marginalised communities under the guise of reform.

Veteran protester Philip Friedman, attending a rally in Philadelphia, summed up the sentiments of many. “I thought my marching days were over,” he said. “Then we get somebody like Musk and Trump.”

While protest organisers acknowledged that demonstrations may not immediately reverse government policies, they stressed the importance of sustained civic engagement.

“This is just the beginning,” Levin said. “The message is clear — Americans are watching, and they will not stay silent.”