Tech billionaire, Elon Musk, has broken his silence following widespread protests tagged ‘Hands Off’ across the U.S. and internationally.
Musk described the demonstrations as a staged movement manipulated by hidden political forces.
The coordinated protests took place across all 50 states including major cities like Washington, D.C., and San Francisco, according to The Guardian.
Organizers say the “Hands Off” protests were among the largest collective demonstrations since U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term inauguration, with more than 1,200 events worldwide and participation from nearly 200 advocacy groups.
Protesters rallied for a wide range of issues including civil rights, healthcare, LGBTQ+ protections, labour rights, and concerns about democratic backsliding, according to Irish Star News.
Reacting to the protests on Sunday, Musk reposted a video shared on X by conservative account @WallStreetApes, where conservative commentator Laura Loomer, alleged that demonstrators were “paid protesters,” pointing to where individuals were receiving pre-printed signs and being sent to various locations.
Reposting the video, Musk said, “The problem is the puppetmasters, not the puppets, as the latter have no idea why they are even there.”
The problem is the puppetmasters, not the puppets, as the latter have no idea why they are even there
In Washington, D.C., thousands gathered at the Washington Monument, and over 20,000 people were expected at the National Mall.
Demonstrators carried signs, waved Ukrainian and Palestinian flags, and listened to speeches from Democratic lawmakers critical of the Trump administration.
The protests also responded to job cuts initiated by the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Musk.
Over 200,000 federal jobs have reportedly been eliminated under Trump’s direction. The IRS alone began laying off 20,000 workers last Friday.
Despite the backlash, the Trump administration insists that Social Security and Medicare are safe.
“President Trump will always protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries,” assistant press secretary Liz Huston said.
“Democrats, on the other hand, want to give those benefits to illegal aliens, which would bankrupt the programs,” she added.
