Protest Against Trump, Musk, Planned In Maplewood-South Orange

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — An upcoming national day of protest against President Donald Trump, Elon Musk and the ongoing federal budget cuts will include a local rally in the Maplewood-South Orange area.

A “Hands Off!” demonstration is scheduled for 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 5 outside the Maplewood Train Ticket office, 145 Dunnell Road in Maplewood, according to an event post from organizers.

Here’s why protesters are planning to hit the streets, organizers say:

“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. They want to strip America for parts—shuttering Social Security offices, firing essential workers, eliminating consumer protections, and gutting Medicaid—all to bankroll their billionaire tax scam. They’re handing over our tax dollars, our public services, and our democracy to the ultra-rich. If we don’t fight now, there won’t be anything left to save.”

Other Essex County protests are scheduled to take place on April 5 in Montclair, Glen Ridge and Bloomfield.

“A core principle behind Hands Off! is a commitment to nonviolent action,” organizers add. “We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.”

The Hands Off! demonstrations are being supported by a coalition of social justice groups (see the list here).

Essex County has seen ongoing protests against the Trump Administration since the president was inaugurated for his second term in January.

• See Related: Protesters Rally In Essex County Against Potential State Budget Cuts
• See Related: Newark Protesters Will March Against Trump, Musk, Federal Cuts
• See Related: Hundreds Protest Against Reopening ICE Detention Facility In Essex County

The county has also seen support for Trump, including an October rally in Montclair organized by local GOP voters. See Related: Republican Wanted Montclair To Raise Flags For Trump Inauguration

In February, a former Congress candidate from New Jersey who was at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 attended a Belleville Town Council meeting, asking his hometown to rename a road in honor of Trump. Read More: Jan. 6 Attendee Wants Belleville Street Renamed For Donald Trump

Former Vice President Kamala Harris took Essex County in the 2024 presidential election, nailing down 224,596 votes (71.69 percent). Trump scored 83,908 votes – about 26.78 percent.

Trump performed much better on a statewide basis in last November’s election, however, flipping five New Jersey counties from blue to red.

• Read More: Trump Signs Order Changing Election Rules (What It Means For NJ)
• Read More: NJ Republicans Hope To Boost Voter Registration Among Gun Owners
• Read More: 'Know Your Protest Rights': New Jersey ACLU Shares Tips For Activists

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