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Protests Erupt Across Europe Against Trump and Adviser Elon Musk
Demonstrators Speak Out After Tumultuous Week in Global Markets
Hundreds of protesters took to the streets in major European cities on Saturday to denounce U.S. President Donald Trump and his adviser Elon Musk. The demonstrations followed a volatile week for global financial markets, triggered by the Trump administration’s announcement of sweeping new tariffs.
“Hands Off!” Rally in Frankfurt Led by American Expats
In Frankfurt, Germany, members of Democrats Abroad — the official overseas branch of the U.S. Democratic Party — organized the “Hands Off!” protest at Opernplatz. Demonstrators carried signs reading:
- “Restore Democracy”
- “Hands off our personal data”
- “The world is tired of your bullshit Donald, be gone!”
Protesters demanded the resignation of the U.S. president and called for greater accountability from the administration.
Berlin Protest Targets Tesla Showroom and Musk’s Influence
In Berlin, demonstrators gathered outside a Tesla showroom, directing their frustration at senior Trump adviser Elon Musk. Placards included messages like:
- “Shut up Elon, no one voted for you”
- “Dogs against DOGE” — a satirical reference to Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, a controversial initiative launched under Trump’s second term to cut federal waste.
A dog wore a protest sign, symbolizing the mix of humor and resistance seen throughout the event.
Paris Rally Echoes Calls to “Save Democracy”
Around 200 people, mostly Americans, gathered at Place de la République in Paris. Protesters waved banners reading:
- “Resist Tyrant”
- “Rule of Law”
- “Feminists for Freedom, Not Fascism”
- “Save Democracy”
Some participants gave impassioned speeches, while one protester sang Bob Dylan’s Masters of War, adding a musical dimension to the event.
London and Lisbon Join the Movement
Additional protests occurred in other European capitals. In London, a few hundred people assembled in Trafalgar Square, holding signs that read:
- “Proud American, Ashamed”
- “WTAF America?”
Crowds chanted “Hands off Canada,” “Hands off Greenland,” and “Hands off Ukraine” while speakers criticized Trump’s foreign policy and isolationist rhetoric.
A Coordinated Message Across Borders
From Berlin to Lisbon, the protests reflected a unified message: opposition to what demonstrators view as an increasingly authoritarian and chaotic administration in Washington. Many protesters emphasized their desire to see a return to democratic norms, transparency, and international cooperation.
“Protests Erupt Across Europe Against Trump and Adviser Elon Musk” “Protests Erupt Across Europe Against Trump and Adviser Elon Musk” “Protests Erupt Across Europe Against Trump and Adviser Elon Musk”