Manatee County residents join nationwide Hands Off protest against Trump policies
Hundreds gathered in Bradenton Saturday afternoon to protest President Donald Trump's policies as part of a nationwide 'Hands Off' protest.
As cars whizzed past the protestors standing along Cortez Road West near Walmart, some honked and gave a thumbs-up in approval. Other drivers flashed vulgar hand gestures.
In Bradenton, a large crowd waved signs criticizing Trump's controversial approach in his second term. Organizers say they counted about 800 people around 1 p.m.
'Trump's tariffs will raise prices,' one sign said.
'Stop the billionaire coup,' said another, referring to Elon Musk's direct involvement in the reduction of the federal government's workforce and budget. 'Save democracy. Fire Musk.'
The Hands Off protest is described as a 'national day of action' to push back against the Trump Administration. Organizers say there are hundreds of protests taking place across all 50 states.
'This is a nationwide mobilization to stop the most brazen power grab in modern history. Trump, Musk, and their billionaire cronies are orchestrating an all-out assault on our government, our economy, and our basic rights,' the Hands Off website says.
Strains of Buffalo Springfield's call to attention song, 'For What It's Worth,' played from a speaker while others chanted, 'This is what democracy looks like.'
Local organizers say they are especially concerned about federal government cuts that could directly impact Manatee County's ability to bounce back from another powerful hurricane.
'Can you imagine if Trump cuts off Florida from the National Weather Service and FEMA, too? We would have such a human crisis on our hands if we face another hurricane like our last three. It's unthinkable,' Mary Ann Toal, an organizer with Indivisible Manatee, said in a statement provided to the Bradenton Herald.
Local organizers planned a similar protest Saturday along University Parkway near the Mall at UTC. According to the website, Hands Off protests were also set to be held in Miami, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Orlando and several other Florida cities.
Take a look at the scene in Bradenton.
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