Fact Check: "Thousands rallied against Trump in 'Hands Off' protests."
What We Know
On April 5, 2025, a series of protests known as the "Hands Off!" rallies took place across the United States, primarily aimed at opposing the policies of President Donald Trump and the involvement of billionaire Elon Musk in government affairs. According to reports, organizers claimed that over 1,300 rallies occurred nationwide, with thousands participating in major cities such as Washington, D.C., Boston, and Portland, Oregon (NPR). In Washington, D.C., demonstrators gathered near the Washington Monument, holding signs advocating for various social issues, including reproductive rights and veterans' benefits (NPR).
In Portland, several thousand people protested against what they termed an "illegal, billionaire power grab" by Trump and Musk (NPR). Additionally, reports indicated that protests in cities like Chicago and Boston attracted significant crowds, with thousands attending each event (CNN, YouTube).
Analysis
The claim that "thousands rallied against Trump in 'Hands Off' protests" is supported by multiple credible sources. NPR reported that the rallies were among the most widespread protests during Trump's second term, highlighting the diverse issues that motivated participants (NPR). The scale of the protests was further corroborated by CNN, which noted that over 1,400 protests were organized across all 50 states, indicating a substantial turnout (CNN).
The reliability of these sources is high. NPR is a well-respected news organization known for its journalistic integrity, while CNN also has a long-standing reputation for covering significant national events. The use of multiple sources to confirm the turnout and the nature of the protests adds to the credibility of the claim.
However, it is important to note that while the protests were large and widespread, the exact number of participants can vary based on reporting and local estimates. Some reports mentioned "tens of thousands" participating across the country, which aligns with the claim of "thousands" rallying against Trump (YouTube).
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The evidence indicates that thousands of individuals indeed rallied against President Trump during the "Hands Off!" protests, with reports confirming the occurrence of over 1,300 protests nationwide and significant participation in major cities. The credibility of the sources and the consistency of the information across multiple outlets support this conclusion.
