Overview

• The 'Hands Off!' protests on April 5 became one of the largest mobilizations in recent U.S. history, with over 1,200 events across all 50 states and millions participating.
• Demonstrators opposed federal spending cuts, attacks on civil rights, and policies targeting healthcare, Social Security, and Medicare, among other issues.
• Media coverage has faced criticism for downplaying the protests, with major outlets relegating stories to less prominent sections, sparking calls for better recognition of public dissent.
• Misinformation circulated online, including a misattributed Trump quote from 2020 presented as a response to the protests, highlighting challenges in public discourse.
• Participation varied within communities, with some Black Americans opting out of the protests, citing prior civic engagement, while others emphasized the need for collective action.