By Ryan Agosto, Staff Writer
The “Hands Off “ protests that recently took place on Apr. 5. is a movement against the current administration in modern day America.
Inspired by political opinions, these scheduled protests were to oppose the new regulations that President Donald Trump’s administration has imposed on the current government, changing social and economic policies alike.
These policies, in particular, are the removement of American participation in the Paris Climate accords, the deportation and removal of immigrants, legislation that they feel disproportionately affects the LGBTQ community, and the removal of funding for both Medicaid and Social Security.
These protests, in response to these federal actions, find themselves to be the voice of the American Democracy. They fight for those who have no way to fight back against what has happened to them as per the action the Federal Government has taken .
The protestors main opinions that they actively express against the current administration are in response to President Trump’s executive order passed in February 202. This order banned transgender women from competing in women’s sports.
Since this initial act has been set in place, President Trump has passed legislation prohibiting treatment for trans-youth, removing trans-americans from military service, and has also removed any mention of transitioning or trans-identification.
The protests are also in response to Trump removing us from the Paris Climate Accords in January 2025 (NPR). Additionally, the detainment of 113,000 people through Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and executing 100,000 deportations since taking office in 2025 (Newsweek). Immigrants who are currently still in the United States have had their social security numbers revoked, being reported as dead so they no longer are eligible for aid or benefits (NYTimes).
While the federal government is taking immediate action in order to “benefit the people”, Americans are left feeling that executive actions and legislation taken during President Trump’s second term are far more harmful than helpful.
Lehigh University Student Calan Armitage gave his opinion.
“The movement has value because it raises awareness and encourages civic engagement, but at times, certain voices within the movement can come off as too extreme” he stated.
“I support the movement’s goal of protecting essential programs and rights, but I don’t fully agree with how all of their concerns are presented. The protest is quite peaceful, and driven by statistically backed opinions, but I also believe there needs to be a more balanced discussion about this. It should be more than the government deciding our fate and we protest it. We should be able to hold a civilized conversation about potential budget cuts, and the effects they have on us. The American government isn’t consulting its people and it’s making it hard on us. Budget cuts may be a necessary form of change, but those budget cuts shouldn’t come at the expenses of others. People live and rely on those programs. Taking away someone’s ability to live is a really big and tense decision, especially for the people it affects ” Armitage further elaborated.
Systemic budget cuts and instantaneous changes are seen by the public as not unacceptable. They believe that making these changes without setting any safety nets for those who it affects is uncivilized and politically controlling. Not really knowing whether or not you’ll be able to make it to next month is a harsh reality lots of Americans face. These kinds of changes intensify those fears beyond their original existence.
It’s in this fear that Americans oppose these changes, not because change is bad, but because the changes they face can demean and reject their ability to survive inside of their own country.
Sophomore Communication Major Michael Voltaggio showed his solidarity for the protest.
“ I agree with the protests and why they fight for their rights. People who are American citizens and want to be American citizens have a right to exist in our country and live the same life with the same opportunities as everyone else. For the government to make living conditions and the ability to survive in our country harder is ridiculous to me ” he voiced.
Voltaggio went on to explain his agreement with the protest and frustrations with our current political climate.
“ The fact that they’re deporting people, cutting social security, and reducing care for trans people is crazy. The people they’re deporting came here for a better life, they’re stripping social security checks from those who need it, and they’re trying to cut trans people out of the medical system entirely. What about any of this is okay? We shouldn’t have to protest this. This should be common sense. I shouldn’t need to beg my government for my right to be a human being. It should just be given to me as a natural freedom. And don’t even talk to me about climate change. It’s like our government wants the world to eventually burst into flames” he stated.
As of this moment, no official statement or response has been given in regards to the “Hands Off” movement by any members of the White House. As of now, we can only sit and wait to see what kind of future the movement will face. However, it is very important to understand that this movement is new and fresh, and more protests will be held soon in an effort to evoke some sort of a federal response.
Be First to Comment