Despite cloudy skies and the threat of showers, crowds gathered across Bucks County Saturday as part of a nationwide “Hands Off” protest against President Donald Trump and White House advisor and government contractor Elon Musk.
Rallies were held in Doylestown Borough, outside Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick’s office along the Newtown Bypass in Middletown Township, and in Quakertown Borough.
Dozens of Bucks County residents also traveled to a larger regional protest in Center City in Philadelphia.
Protesters voiced concerns about potential cuts to Social Security and health care, threats to First Amendment rights, negative impacts to the economy, and the separation of powers in the federal government.
Signs reading “Make America America again,” “We don’t want a king,” “Deport Elon immediately,” “Make America Kind Again,” “Hands off Social Security,” “We love America,” and “Honk if you never drunk texted war plans” were seen at the Bucks County rallies.
“The Musk and Trump regime continues to attempt to assert their perceived dominance over We The People,” said Kadida Kenner, CEO of the New Pennsylvania Project, speaking at the Philadelphia rally. “They are attempting to disenfranchise voters with unnecessary burdens to the ballot, shuttering Social Security offices, firing essential workers, eliminating consumer protections, and gutting Medicaid. They are taking these vicious steps to bankroll their billionaire tax scam and support their billionaire donors. The Trump regime is handing over our tax dollars, our public services, and our democracy to the ultra-rich. So we are gathering together today, in Philadelphia, the birthplace of American democracy, and other venues across the country to show that we won’t stand for their dismantling of our nation.”
Outside Fitzpatrick’s district office, protesters waved flags as cars honked, and some drivers displayed middle fingers in response to the protesters.
Organizers estimated several thousand people participated in the Bucks County rallies.
“There are people who show up at our events who have never been to a rally or town hall before,” said Larissa Hopwood, an organizer of the Doylestown Borough rally. “We’ve all been there at some point. There are people who aren’t going to cities for events like this. They’re dipping their toes in local rallies and activism. We need to meet them where they are. We’ll continue to keep our eyes, ears, and minds open. And we’ll continue to try to provide a bigger umbrella.”
Nancy Sherlock, head of the Morrisville Democratic Club, traveled from Bucks County to the Philadelphia protest. She said supporters gathered at the Tullytown Borough train station to support those heading to the city.
“This was more than just a small rally,” she said of the Center City demonstration. “It’s all across the country — to send a message about the damage that’s being done and the lives that are being wrecked.”
The local rallies were among approximately 1,000 “Hands Off!” events held nationwide on Saturday. More than 100 groups, including Indivisible’s local chapters, help organized the rallies.
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