‘It's just more gangster government': Scenes from the ‘Hands Off' protests against Trump, Musk in Rhode Island
Protesters gather on Saturday, April 5, 2025 for a march from Hope High School to Kennedy Plaza in Providence to protest Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and actions by the Trump administration.
Carlos Munos
Ward's protesting days go back to the 1970s when she marched against the invasion in Cambodia. But for her, Trump and his cabinet 'are so unthinkable and frustrating.'
Ward said she questions why Republican members of Congress 'never' challenge the administration, particularly when it comes to tariffs and what she says is anti-Europe rhetoric.
'The rule of law is gone. He's making enemies around the world in our name,' she said. 'We're not at war, but we're not at peace. What will it take to erupt?'
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Protesters gather on Saturday, April 5, 2025 for a march from Hope High School to Kennedy Plaza in Providence to protest Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and actions by the Trump administration.
Carlos Munos
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Protesters gather on Saturday, April 5, 2025 for a march from Hope High School to Kennedy Plaza in Providence to protest Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and actions by the Trump administration.
Carlos Munos
Protesters gather on Saturday, April 5, 2025 for a march from Hope High School to Kennedy Plaza in Providence to protest Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and actions by the Trump administration.
Carlos Munos
Spencer Barney said this wasn't her first protest. In her 28 years, the few she has marched in have all been related to speaking out against the actions of a Trump administration.
'I'm really upset about the state of things. It's like we stopped caring about our communities, said Barney, a Massachusetts native, as she held a sign that said 'U.S. Mail: NOT FOR SALE.'
'It's not that hard to care about other people,' said Barney, who said they were most upset about trans children who could not access gender-affirming care and immigrants being deported. 'But it's like this country forgot how to care, and that's why we're out here. To remind them.'
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Protesters gather on Saturday, April 5, 2025 for a march from Hope High School to Kennedy Plaza in Providence to protest Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and actions by the Trump administration.
Carlos Munos
Shouting into a microphone in front of thousands, Daniel Denvir, the co-chair of Reclaim R.I., said he was 'infuriated and ashamed' that the federal government has continued to send support to Israel.US support has 'continued the Palestinian genocide,' he said.
Rhode Island state Representative Karen Alzate, who previously told the Globe how she had
Rhode Island state Representative Karen Alzate spoke at the "Hands Off" protest against President Trump in Providence on Saturday, APril 5, 2025. 'You will not continue to deport my family, my friends, my neighbors.'
Alexa Gagosz
'The economy is for us. And we're here to tell this administration that you will not continue to tax our money to use it for your game,' said Representative Karen Alzate, who said she is also introducing a bill locally that she said will tax the rich. 'You will not continue to deport my family, my friends, my neighbors.'
Health care workers and union members also went after Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee, a Democrat who proposed a state budget this year that cut millions from health care entities like hospitals and nursing homes.In response, the crowd of thousands shouted 'Shame!''We have a saying in our union: When the boss says no, we say yes,' said Jesse Martin, executive vice president of SEIU 1199.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Alexa Gagosz can be reached at
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