‘Hands Off!’ mid-Michigan rallies join national protests against Trump, Musk
Thousands of protesters join ‘Hands off’ Rallies across Michigan
MIDLAND, Mich. (WNEM) – Several Mid-Michigan cities were packed with protesters Saturday.
The April 5 rallies are part of the nationwide ‘Hands Off’ Movement, sending a message to President Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
The movement is an effort to stop what organizers call a growing government overreach.
Several hundred groups marched the streets with signs. The protests popped up from coast to coast. They called on the Trump Administration to stop interfering with human rights, communities, and schools.
Mid-Michigan’s protests were held in Mt. Pleasant, Bad Axe, Saginaw, Chesaning, Owosso, and Midland.
One protester, a former teacher, told TV-5 he wanted to turn his concerns into action.
one protester is a former teacher -- who says -- he wanted to turn his concerns into action. “Meeting with other people is important right now, just to get out of your house. A lot of seniors are frightened. Social security has been on the chopping block, obviously public education, the environment, just about everything I care about is in jeopardy right now,” said Steven Carver, a retired teacher living in Midland.
Other protesters told TV-5 they are concerned about the ripple effect the Trump Administration’s cuts and policies could have on American families, and our allies overseas.
“A real concern on how detrimental this tariff issue is and how it’s hurt the poor, the needy, and the middle class,” said Lynnette Peppler, of Midland.
“The talk about NATO is making me just want to come out and say what I’m thinking,” said Kim Myers, of Midland.
The rally outside of the Midland County Courthouse drew hundreds of people.
Related Coverage: What to know about the mid-Michigan ‘Hands Off’ movement
A website for the movement across the U.S. encouraged people to “rise up” on April 5, 2025 and come together in unity. It said the following:
"This is a nationwide mobilization to stop the most brazen power grab in modern history. Trump, Musk, and their billionaire cronies are orchestrating an all-out assault on our government, our economy, and our basic rights—enabled by Congress every step of the way.”
The Associated Press said more than 150 groups were participating, including civil rights organizations, labor unions, LBGTQ+ advocates, veterans, and elections activists.
Mid-Michigan’s protests are being held in Midland, Mt. Pleasant, Bad Axe, Saginaw, Chesaning, and Owosso.
Allison Wilcox is an organizer for the rally outside of the Midland County Courthouse. The pre-registration of over 300 people encouraged her.
“We certainly want it to go the way that follows our values. Freedom, freedom of the press, responsible government,” Wilcox said.
Chesaning Hands Off organizer Tim Schultz told WNEM TV 5 that the movement aimed to hold leaders accountable.
“We’ve got a democracy that has, apparently, supposed to be three branches…It’s now or never, we can’t let this administration continue its current path,” he said.
An online map of the national movement showed several hundred rallies scheduled from coast to coast across the U.S. The website said the effort was a commitment to nonviolent action.
Organizers reminded protestors to try to de-escalate any potential confrontations with people who disagree with the group’s values.
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