![[CREDIT: Jeni Luther] Thousands of people swelled the streets in Providence April 5 to tell the Musk -Trump Coup to take their hands off Americans' freedoms, security, voting rights, Medicare, Social Security and powers not granted in the U.S. Constitution during the national Hands Off protest.](https://e8dgfhu6pow.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Providence-Hands-Off-Protest-3-April-5-2025-336x337.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Islanders in 4 Ocean State areas have been amongst tens of millions nationwide turning out for ‘Arms Off!’ protests in opposition to the Musk – Trump Coup seizing Congressional powers, defying courtroom orders and beginning a commerce battle that has value People trillions in inventory market worth.
Turnout far exceeded expectations, in keeping with a press release from the group, underscoring the nationwide groundswell of opposition to Trump and Musk’s makes an attempt to hurt on a regular basis individuals in America.
“What we witnessed right now was nothing in need of extraordinary. Throughout the nation and all over the world, individuals got here collectively to say: we is not going to be silent whereas our rights, our futures, and our democracy are beneath assault,” mentioned Rahna Epting, Government Director, MoveOn. “This peaceable motion is powered by on a regular basis individuals—nurses, academics, college students, dad and mom—who’re rising as much as defend what issues most. We’re united, we’re relentless, and we’re simply getting began.”
The occasions have been organized with a dedication to nonviolent motion. “We count on all members to hunt to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those that disagree with our values, and to behave lawfully at these occasions,” the wrote on its web site organizing the protests.
“This can be a nationwide mobilization to cease probably the most brazen energy seize in fashionable historical past. Trump, Musk, and their billionaire cronies are orchestrating an all-out assault on our authorities, our financial system, and our fundamental rights—enabled by Congress each step of the way in which.
They wish to strip America for components—shuttering Social Safety places of work, firing important staff, eliminating client protections, and gutting Medicaid—all to bankroll their billionaire tax rip-off. They’re handing over our tax {dollars}, our public companies, and our democracy to the ultra-rich.
If we don’t battle now, there gained’t be something left to save lots of,”
RI Arms Off! Protests: Trump has acquired to go
In Rhode Island, 4 protests have been held, drawing a whole bunch to the smaller protests and filling the streets at Hope Excessive College in Windfall.
- O’Neill bike path at Principal Road, South Kingstown, RI, midday
- Hope Excessive College, Windfall, RI, midday
- USPS/Financial institution Newport Tiverton, RI, midday
- City Corridor, Westerly, RI, 1 p.m.
In Westerly, about 2 hundred protesters quickly crammed the entrance of the City Corridor property, chanting, “Hey-hey, Ho-Ho, Donald Trump Has Obtained to Go.” The slogan, broadcast with a loudspeaker, was almost drowned out by booing from the opposition.
![[CREDIT: Mary Carlos] In Westerly, about 200 people showed at Town Hall for the national Hands Off! protests.](https://e8dgfhu6pow.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Westerly-Hands-Off-Protest-April-5-2025.jpeg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
In Windfall, organizers advised the gang, which had swelled to fill the streets, that there have been about 20,000 individuals gathered. Jeni Luther of Coventry was amongst them.
![[CREDIT: Jeni Luther] Thousands of people swelled the streets in Providence April 5 to tell the Musk -Trump Coup to take their hands off Americans' freedoms, security, voting rights, Medicare, Social Security and powers not granted in the U.S. Constitution during the national Hands Off protest.](https://e8dgfhu6pow.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Providence-Hands-Off-Protest-April-5-2025.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
“I’m not good at estimating however from Hope Excessive College it was an enormous crowd, individuals who have been relaxed and friendly- it undoubtedly wasn’t an indignant mob. However there was some ardour!” Luther mentioned.
“We walked down Hope Road to Thayer after which down Angell Road previous the First Baptist Church to Kennedy PLaza. Folks alongside the route have been out on their porches and roofs, waving their very own indicators, it was nice!”
Luther mentioned there have been a number of households, younger individuals and “various older people,” among the many crowd, who additionally chanted “Hey-hey, Ho-Ho, Donald Trump Has Obtained to Go,” in addition to “Love, not Hate, Is What Makes Us Nice.” She mentioned she didn’t witness or hear any counter-protests throughout her travels.
