From Salt Lake City to Bluff — and at least seven other spots across the state — thousands of Utahns gathered to take part in a national “Hands Off” protest against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
Their message, according to organizers, was, “Hands off our services. Hands off our rights. Hands off our communities.”
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) People gather during a protest against the Trump administration in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Hundreds of protesters gather at the Capitol for a protest against the Trump administration in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) A woman cheers during a protest against the Trump administration in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
The Utah protests were a handful of more than 1,000 planned throughout the U.S. and internationally, according to a news release from the “Hands Off!” coalition, which includes partner organizations and activist groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union, the 50501 Movement and MoveOn.
Salt Lake City’s protest began at the Capitol around noon and drew a massive crowd of thousands of people, with protesters eventually marching down State Street.
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A companion “Hands Off Our Elders” event at the Legacy Village of Sugar House, a senior living community, was also planned, to make it more accessible for residents there who may use walkers and wheelchairs, organizers said.
Other Utah demonstrations took place in Cache County, Wasatch County, Monticello, Bluff, Moab, Boulder, Kanab and St. George, according to organizers.
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) Protesters march away from the Utah Capitol during a protest against the Trump administration in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) A protester holds up a sign during a protest against the Trump administration in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Hundreds of protesters gather at the Capitol for a protest against the Trump administration in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Hundreds of protesters gather at the Capitol for a protest against the Trump administration in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
In St. George, about 75 protesters lined Red Cliffs Drive on Saturday morning, toting signs calling for the Trump administration to get its hands off America’s national parks, public lands and Social Security, among other demands.
Many motorists honked in approval, while others leaned out the window, yelling “Go, Donald Trump!” or expletives.
Jam Hall, an attorney from St. George standing nearby, was encouraged by the positive reception protestors received.
A second “Hands Off” protest slated for St. George’s Vernon Worthen Park on Saturday afternoon also drew a crowd.
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) Thousands of people gather during a protest against the Trump administration in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
(Ammon Bennett | Special to The Tribune) People attend a protest against the Trump administration at the Capitol in Salt Lake City, Saturday, April 5, 2025.
(Ammon Bennett | Special to The Tribune) People attend a protest against the Trump administration at the Capitol in Salt Lake City, Saturday, April 5, 2025.
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) Protesters march down State Street during a protest against the Trump administration in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) Bystanders watches as protesters march down State Street following a protest against the Trump administration in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
