Thousands of protesters converged on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, joining a nationwide movement of over 1,300 events that drew an estimated 1 million people. The "Hands Off" protests, organized across the country and in several European cities, aimed to send a strong message to President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk: protect democracy and stop meddling with vital federal programs and agencies.

The protests, which were largely peaceful and orderly, brought together a diverse range of groups and individuals united by their opposition to the Trump administration's policies. Protesters held signs and banners addressing a wide array of issues, from immigrant and trans rights to support for Ukraine and criticism of Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Many attendees expressed frustration and exasperation with the administration's actions, which they see as threatening the fabric of American democracy.

Speakers at the D.C. rally, including lawmakers like Reps. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) and Maxwell Frost (D-FL), emphasized the importance of protecting federal agencies and programs that serve the public interest. Organizers, including AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, also addressed the crowd, urging protesters to continue fighting for democracy and against the administration's policies.

The protests were not limited to D.C., with events taking place in over 1,000 cities and towns across the country. New York City reportedly had a similar turnout to D.C., while protests also cropped up in traditionally conservative states like Idaho and West Virginia. The international scope of the protests was also notable, with events held in several major European cities.

For many attendees, the protests were deeply personal. Federal workers, in particular, have been affected by the Trump administration's policies, with many facing uncertainty and hardship due to budget cuts and agency restructuring. One federal worker, who declined to give her name, expressed her frustration with the administration's actions, saying, "It has been nothing but a nightmare since January 20th for 3 million federal employees."

The protests also featured creative and humorous elements, with some attendees bringing elaborate signs and costumes to express their messages. One protester, Susan, used pool noodles to create a mobile sign that read, "DOGE is a SCAM" and "Stand with Ukraine," among other messages. She emphasized the peaceful nature of the protest, saying, "This is a non-violent movement, and unlike the January 6th insurrectionists who brought flag poles and other things to use as weapons, everybody who's here is here to peacefully protest."

The "Hands Off" protests come at a time of heightened tension between the Trump administration and various groups, including federal workers, immigrants, and environmentalists. As the administration continues to push its agenda, it remains to be seen how these protests will impact policy decisions and the broader political landscape.

Despite the uncertainty, one thing is clear: the "Hands Off" protests have sent a powerful message to the Trump administration and Elon Musk, and will likely be remembered as a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for democracy and accountability in the United States.