Protests against Trump, Musk underway across PNW in nationwide ‘Hands Off!’ movement
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Opponents of President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk plan to rally across the U.S. on Saturday to protest the administration’s actions on government downsizing, the economy, human rights and other issues.
The Portland-area protests are expected to take place at the Japanese American Historical Plaza on the downtown waterfront at noon, and began at St. Johns Plaza in North Portland and Westmoreland Park in Southeast Portland at 9:30 a.m.
Portland’s “50501 Movement” — 50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement — and Rose City Indivisible are among the groups expected to join forces for a two-mile march.
Other related demonstrations will take place in Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, Milwaukie and Salem — as well as throughout the state, including the small coastal towns of Yachats and Waldport.
On the Washington side, protesters will gather in downtown Vancouver at 12 p.m.
Portland Police Bureau said they expect to see thousands of protesters turn out, with Chief Bob Day saying their incident command center is prepared. But based on risk assessments and talks with organizers, he believes the demonstrations will be a peaceful example of people exercising their First Amendment rights.
“We are continuing to use our dialog officers to reach out to planners, and we anticipate having resources available if there is a situation that arises,” Day said. “But I’m cautiously optimistic.”
TriMet is cautioning riders to plan ahead for possible overcrowding and longer waits.
More than 1,200 “Hands Off!” demonstrations are planned by more than 150 groups, including civil rights organizations, labor unions, LBGTQ+ advocates, veterans and elections activists.
Protesters are assailing the Trump administration’s moves to fire thousands of federal workers, close Social Security Administration field offices, effectively shutter entire agencies, deport immigrants, scale back protections for transgender people and cut federal funding for health programs.
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), who has been a vocal opponent of the recent cuts, sent out a letter in support of the demonstrators:
Dear Friends,
I wish I could be with all of you instead of here in Washington, DC because of the Senate schedule. But I can feel and hear your “people power” at this rally and others just like it today across Oregon and our entire country.
And more importantly, Donald Trump, Elon Musk and their Republican accomplices all too willing to do their bidding are feeling and hearing the “people power” fighting back against their unprecedented, authoritarian and unconstitutional assault on American democracy.
I’m under no illusions. There are plenty of tough fights ahead to undo the damage that’s been done, and to get our democracy back.
But this week showed the cracks are starting to form in this attack by Trump, Musk and their MAGA marionettes on America.
Look at the election results in Wisconsin where “people power” prevailed.
Look at the Senate where “people power” got through to enough Republicans for a majority to reject Trump's tariffs on Canada.
And look at Trump’s falling approval ratings to know large majorities of Americans aren’t on board with Trump’s insane trade war, his illegal theft of congressional investments in American infrastructure, health care, education and more.
Keep speaking out just like this. Keep the pressure up on all elected officials. And keep your eye on the prize by picking your passion, drilling down, and fighting back against the authoritarian takeover of American democracy by Trump, Musk and their DOGE thugs.
I’ll say this again -- This isn’t going to be easy. But with all of us doing everything we can – blowing the whistle on this administration’s lawbreaking and cruelty -- we can battle back. And we will win.
History shows the pendulum can swing back toward justice even when challenges look bleakest. So huge thanks to all of you for coming out today and pushing that pendulum back to a better America.
Sincerely, Ron Wyden
The Associated Press contributed to this report.