A nationwide anti-Trump movement is anticipated to draw thousands of protesters to the Philadelphia region on Saturday.
Why it matters: “Hands Off!” is expected to be the largest single-day protest since President Trump entered office for his second term.
By the numbers: More than 1,100 rallies, visibility events and meetings were scheduled in all 50 states, as of Wednesday afternoon.
- Organizers said they had nearly 250,000 RSVPs as of March 29.
State of play: Protesters are rallying against several Trump administration policies, including its handling of Social Security benefits, layoffs across the federal workforce, attacks on consumer protections and anti-immigrant policies and attacks on transgender people.
- The protests are also against Elon Musk’s involvement in the federal government via DOGE. He has already faced a wave of demonstrations at Tesla dealerships worldwide via the #TeslaTakedown movement.
Driving the news: Groups across Pennsylvania are organizing dozens of local protests Saturday, including in Philly and neighboring suburbs.
- Vicki Miller, a leader of grassroots activist group Indivisible Philadelphia, tells Axios they’re expecting more than 6,000 people to turn out for the Philadelphia event.
- The demonstration, which runs from noon to 3pm, will start at the steps of City Hall before proceeding to Independence Mall, where protesters will gather near the visitors center.
Zoom in: Police are closing down nearby Sixth Street and will be stationed at the protest to ensure the peace, Miller says.
- Additionally, volunteer marshals will help police the crowd to ensure there’s no “nonsense.”
A lineup of speakers — including U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle, state Sen. Vincent Hughes and state Rep. Chris Rabb — will address how the Trump administration’s policies are reshaping Pennsylvanians’ lives, particularly for immigrants and veterans, Miller says.
- Councilmember Rue Landau is expected to talk about the impact of federal cuts on Philly and some of her life experiences as the chamber’s first openly LGBTQ member.
What they’re saying: “This is about power and greed versus people and democracy,” Landau tells Axios in a statement. “In Philly, we know what happens when billionaires try to buy power and silence communities.”
- “People are angry. They’re scared. They’re frustrated. They’re filled with anxiety,” Miller, who is emceeing the event, tells Axios. “I hear about this every day, many times a day.”
What we’re watching: Will Gov. Josh Shapiro and Mayor Cherelle Parker show up?
- There aren’t plans for the governor to attend, a Shapiro spokesperson tells Axios as of Thursday afternoon.
The city didn’t immediately respond to Axios’ request for comment about whether Parker or someone from her administration will make an appearance.
