RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — A massive nationwide series of protests has hit the Triangle, which drew hundreds of people to the area where the state’s Capitol building is with one message in mind — “hands off.”
Multiple organizations have gathered at the Bicentennial Plaza as part of a single day of action with the goal of being part of the 1,200-plus series of rallies that calls on Trump and Elon Musk to take their hands off of federal programs and services that have been subject to recent cuts.
“With Trump and congressional Republicans doubling down on their agenda to gut essential services, everyday Raleigh residents are sending a clear message: Take your hands off our healthcare, our Social Security, our civil rights, our freedom, and our education,” the 50501NC said in a statement.
Hundreds gathering at “Hands Off” protest in downtown Raleigh (Andrew Evans/CBS 17)
Massive crowd in downtown Raleigh for Hands Off protest (Andrew Evans/CBS 17)
Signs showing disdain for President Trump (Andrew Evans/CBS 17)
‘Hands Off’ signs at rally in Raleigh (Andrew Evans/CBS 17)
CBS 17 was on the scene where hundreds of people have flooded downtown along Jones Street, carrying signs with messages of disdain for President Donald Trump, the Department Of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and Elon Musk.
Also confirmed as part of this protest are Bull City Indivisible, North Carolina Poor People’s Campaign, Iron Front NC, Common Cause NC, Union of Southern Service Workers, Wake Women Have Mercy and others.
“The government’s not here for us, they’re not here to support us, so it’s up to us as a people to make a difference and to advocate for ourselves,” said Ailisha Borror, a woman who attended ‘Hands Off.’
Folks from all different backgrounds gathered at Bicentennial Plaza.
“Young people certainly need to be out here because this is their world,” said Richard Dickie, another attendee.
“This is the world they’re going to inherit. If they don’t step up, it’s going to be an ugly ride,” Dickie said.
According to a report from the Associated Press, when asked about the protests, the White House said in a statement that “President Trump’s position is clear: he will always protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries. Meanwhile, the Democrats’ stance is giving Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare benefits to illegal aliens, which will bankrupt these programs and crush American seniors.”
