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Tens of thousands of anti-Trump demonstrators gathered in cities worldwide on Saturday, protesting against tariffs and government agency cuts. The first major wave of protest against the administration was sparked by Trump’s use of emergency powers to impose tariff hikes, resulting in a $2.5tn market value loss on Wall Street.
Protesters cited various grievances including trade levies, federal workforce lay-offs, deportations, attacks on marginalized communities, threats of invasion, and Elon Musk’s controversial policies.

Protests also took place in European cities and in front of a Tesla showroom in Berlin, with the electric-vehicle maker facing backlash against its CEO. The ‘Hands Off!’ movement, organising protests across the US, focused on economic issues like tariffs and stock market instability.
Participants at the National Mall in Washington held signs with various messages, expressing concerns about government policies and billionaire influence.
Speakers at the rally urged bipartisan opposition to the administration’s economic agenda, calling for action in Congress to counteract policies deemed harmful.

The protests mark the first large-scale demonstrations against the administration since Trump’s second term began, highlighting growing opposition to his policies.
Organisers have capitalized on public discontent to mobilise voters and pressure lawmakers to challenge the administration’s actions.
