South Florida Joins the ‘Hands Off!’ Movement, Protesting Trump and Musk’s Policies

The sun was shining over Boca Raton City Hall last Friday, but the atmosphere was anything but calm. Dozens of local residents gathered with signs, chants, and a clear message: “Hands off our rights, our services, and our democracy.”

They were part of a massive, nationwide wave of protests targeting both President Donald Trump and his influential government advisor, billionaire Elon Musk. The movement, dubbed “Hands Off!”, saw over 1,200 rallies in cities across all 50 states.

And here in South Florida, the voices rang loud and clear.

A Protest Fueled by Real Concerns

At the heart of the protests is a growing sense of alarm about decisions coming out of Washington. One major flashpoint? The creation of a new federal agency called the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) — yes, like the meme — which is being led by Musk.

Under DOGE, the administration has slashed thousands of federal jobs and shut down several major agencies, including the Department of Education and Health and Human Services. That’s left many fearing what the future holds for vital public programs.

“There’s no way you can call this ‘efficiency’ when people are losing healthcare, schools are understaffed, and government offices are closing,” said Teresa Orozco, a teacher from Broward County who attended the Boca rally. “They’re dismantling what people depend on to survive.”

Palm Beach Protesters Make Their Voices Heard

Just a few miles away in Palm Beach Gardens, the protests continued in full force. A large crowd lined PGA Drive — a symbolic location not far from President Trump’s golf course in Jupiter, where he was attending a tournament.

Some honked in support. Others simply stood with signs: “Hands off Social Security”, “We are not your experiment”, and “No to Billionaire Takeovers.”

“I drove down from Port St. Lucie because I couldn’t sit this one out,” said Archer Moran, a veteran and small business owner. “It feels like they’re trying to take apart everything people worked for — rights, programs, protections. The list is endless.”

Why So Many Are Upset with Musk

Though he’s not elected, Elon Musk has been handed enormous power in Trump’s second term — and that’s rubbing a lot of people the wrong way.

His new role as head of DOGE has made him one of the most powerful figures in Washington, overseeing sweeping changes in how government works. Protesters argue that it’s inappropriate for a billionaire businessman to have such control over public services.

And it’s not just about policy. Musk stirred controversy earlier this year after making what appeared to be a Nazi-style gesture at a rally. He’s claimed it was taken out of context, but many haven’t forgotten.

“This isn’t just about politics. It’s about values. It’s about not normalizing dangerous behavior and rhetoric,” said Lila Franco, a protester and mother of two from Delray Beach.

Immigration, Civil Rights, and the Bigger Picture

Along with budget cuts and layoffs, protesters are also upset about the administration’s crackdown on immigration and the rollback of protections for marginalized groups — especially LGBTQ+ and transgender Americans.

“People are scared — and not just scared, they’re angry,” said Ameenah Davis, a college student who came to the Palm Beach rally with a group of friends. “We’re watching rights being stripped away, and we’re not going to be quiet about it.”

What Comes Next?

The protests may have started with rallies, but organizers say this is just the beginning. With Congress on recess, activists are planning follow-up actions aimed at lawmakers’ offices and even Tesla dealerships — hoping to put pressure directly on Musk and Trump’s political allies.

“This movement isn’t going away after today,” said one of the Boca rally’s organizers. “We’re in this for the long haul. People are waking up.”

As the political landscape continues to shift, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: many Americans, including a growing number in South Florida, are no longer content to sit on the sidelines. Whether it’s layoffs, civil rights, or the growing influence of billionaires in government, they’re drawing a line — and they’re doing it with their feet, their voices, and their signs.

“Hands off,” they say — and they mean it.