Residents joined the National Hands-Off Rally on Saturday April 5th that took place at the Will County Courthouse in Joliet. Over 300 participated in the national event to protest President Donald Trump’s agenda to dismantle the Department of Education, imposing tariffs, potential cuts to Medicaid and Medicare, Immigration, destroying Civil/Human right and other potentially harmful policies his administration is looking to implemented.
The rally in Joliet was part of an anti-Trump protests across the country, as well as around the world. It is estimated more than one million people took part in the protests.
Protesters not only made their voices against Trump known, but they also took aim at Elon Musk for his effort in the dismantling of the federal government. More than 1,200 demonstrations were planned by over 150 groups on Saturday across the nation and the globe, including civil rights organizations, election activists, labor unions and LBGTQ+ advocates.
Mandy Nowicki of Shorewood said she joined to the rally because Trump is “rolling back civil and human rights.”
“Too many changes are happening, and Trump is overreaching by bypassing Congress,” she said. “He basically is trying to dismantle the federal government.”
Carlos Gomez of Joliet said he went to the rally to protest potential cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid programs.
“So many people have worked hard for these programs, and it is not fair they could be on the chopping block,” said Gomez. “I know family members and friends who rely on Medicaid because their income is so low. I don’t want to lose Social Security so Trump can reduce taxes on billionaires.”
Protesters railed against Trump’s tough stance on tariffs, which will caused loss in every sector of the economy.
“I am so scared my retirement savings could be wiped out if this tariff talks continue,” said Luis Machado of Joliet. “Trump keeps saying he thinks he can make a deal, but his 401K account is not impacted. He is a billionaire like Musk.
“It is the little guys like me that are ultimately going to get hurt. People right now are afraid many may not have a job. I truly think a recession is not far out on the horizon.
“If that happens,” Machado continued, “the blame will solely lie with Trump.”
