NYC Protests Erupt: Thousands March Against Trump Policies

Thousands of New Yorkers participated in a nationwide "Hands Off!" movement protest on Saturday, shutting down parts of Midtown Manhattan. The demonstrations followed significant losses on Wall Street triggered by President Trump's announcement of steep tariffs, sparking fears of a global recession.

Protest Highlights

The protest, originating in Bryant Park, saw demonstrators march along Fifth Avenue to Madison Square Park. Participants voiced concerns about various issues including:

• Government downsizing: Cuts to the Board of Education were a major point of contention for protesters like Stephanie Kim, representing the United Federation of Teachers.
• Economic inequality: Many expressed worry about the impact of tariffs on their finances, with concerns raised about 401Ks and rising prices for everyday goods.
• Threats to human rights: Protesters also highlighted concerns around women's rights and access to healthcare.

The "Hands Off!" movement, organized by over 150 groups, including the ACLU, involved protests across the nation. Donna Lieberman from the New York Civil Liberties Union emphasized the widespread opposition to the administration's policies.

Economic Concerns and the White House Response

The large-scale protests coincided with expert predictions of a global recession, with JPMorgan analysts increasing the odds to 60%. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned of higher inflation and slower growth. While the White House issued a statement claiming President Trump's commitment to protecting social security, Medicare, and Medicaid, New Yorkers voiced significant concerns about their financial well-being and the potential for job losses and further price increases.

<img src="https://assets2.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2025/04/05/133a01bf-e5aa-4085-b196-97fdb1b1df0a/thumbnail/1240x827/fb95ed652486a20023af26ff4aa7a774/ap25093777895101.jpg" alt="President Donald Trump">

President Trump maintained that the tariffs are necessary to stimulate job growth and an economic boom, calling the current effects “growing pains.”

NYC Concerns

Many New Yorkers expressed anxieties about the economic repercussions of the tariffs, fearing for their job security and rising costs. The uncertainty surrounding the future of the economy and its impact on their daily lives weighed heavily on their minds.