'Hands Off' Protest in Manassas Denounces Trump Administration

MANASSAS, VA — Protesters in Manassas and at other protests across the U.S. had a message for President Donald Trump and Elon Musk: "hands off."

An estimated 1,200 or more "Hands Off" protests against the Trump administration took place Saturday at locations around the U.S. According to the "Hands Off" website, the protests were organized in opposition to "an all-out assault on our government, our economy, and our basic rights." The protest website claims Trump's administration and the Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency are dismantling the government's federal jobs and service to provide tax benefits to the wealthy. The "Hands Off" website provided guidance to attendees to keep the protests peaceful.

The Manassas protest outside the Social Security Administration office brought together as many as an estimated 1,000 people, according to the Prince William Times. It was organized by the Manassas & Manassas Park Cities Democratic Committee. Attendees were encouraged to bring anti-Trump and anti-Musk signs and stood along Route 28 while chanting.

One of the larger "Hands Off" protests was on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Virginia protests took place in Manassas, Leesburg and Fredericksburg to Richmond, Norfolk, Lynchburg and Charlottesville.

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As the Associated Press reported, the White House responded in a statement voicing support for keeping Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid for eligible Americans. However, the administration claimed Democrats wanted to give undocumented immigrants the benefits, causing the programs to not be financially solvent. Undocumented immigrants are typically not eligible for these federal benefits, but Medicaid for emergency services only may be provided in some states like Virginia.