April 22, 2025

Voters continue to show up in overwhelming numbers to say Stop the Cuts and Tax the Rich.

Recess isn’t a break, not even for the lawmakers in hiding after voting for massive cuts to programs like Medicaid and SNAP in order to provide more tax breaks for billionaires. From packed rallies that closed down streets to overflowing citizen town halls where the only empty chair is for that district's Member of Congress – there’s a reckoning happening in the states. Here are the latest highlights:

VIEW FROM THE STATES

ARIZONA

AZ Family - Phoenix-area residents show up to town hall without Congressman Schweikert

The community members packed into this church for the town hall a few hours ago. Even though Congressman Schweikert wasn't there, organizers had a creative alternative to fill the seat where he would have sat.

OHIO

The Columbus Dispatch - 'Rally Heard 'Round the World' draws anti-Trump Hands Off protesters to Ohio Statehouse

Wielding signs and chanting slogans, the crowd denounced anti-immigration policies and deportation practices, demanded "hands off" Social Security and Medicaid and addressed numerous other issues during what organizers called "The Rally Heard 'Round the World."

Akron Beacon Journal - Protesters in Akron focus on concerns for democracy, human rights during Ohio 50501 rally

Heavy rainfall didn’t deter hundreds of protesters who lined up along West Market Street in Akron’s Highland Square for an Ohio 50501 rally on Saturday, April 19, 2025.

PENNSYLVANIA

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Hundreds protest Trump administration, deportations, funding cuts at Pennsylvania Capitol

Hillary Rothrock, the organizing director of Janelle Stelson’s campaign forCongress, emphasized the importance of communities having their voices heard. “Tyranny begins when the truth is silenced,” Ms. Rothrock said.

Bucks County Beacon - Photo Essay: Doylestown Action League's 'Day of Action'

The Doylestown Action League organized a rally and community day of action in front of the Courthouse in Doylestown on April 19. The event, part of a nationwide campaign that saw hundreds of rallies across the country, attracted about 500 peaceful protesters.

COLORADO

KKTV - Anti-Trump protestors rally in Colorado Springs for nationwide ’50501’ protest

Colorado Times Recorder - PHOTOS: 'Hands Off Denver' Rally

Protesters rallied and marched today at and around Colorado’s Capitol, opposing a wide range of actions by President Donald Trump. They joined “Hands Off” demonstrators in cities across the country and state, including Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo.

Colorado Newsline - Thousands gather in Denver to protest against Trump administration policies

Thousands of Coloradans gathered at the state Capitol in Denver on Saturday to attend the month’s second Hands Off! protest against the Trump administration’s policies regarding immigrants, civil rights and marginalized communities.

ILLINOIS

ABC7 Chicago - Chicago protesters oppose Trump's policies

"We the people are what makes the difference," said Judy Shatkin with Democracy 12. "If we all stand up together, we can make change in our government."

MAINE

WMTW - 'Day of Action:' Protesters voice anger with Trump administration

Protest signs showed demonstrators' anger over a variety of topics surrounding Trump's second term, including federal workforce cuts, the role of Elon Musk, and more recent controversies such as the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

Maine Public Radio - Thousands return to Portland as part of another day of rallies across Maine

"This is only the second time I've ever protested, honestly," he said. "And I'm just so pissed. Last week it was so great to be here in community with everybody and to see how many people are also pissed. It's just... it's invigorating. And it makes me hopeful."

Fox 23 - Protesters rally in Portland, advocating for protection of rights amid Trump tensions

McDermott came to advocate for herself and others who have disabilities who depend on Social Security and Medicaid. "I get really upset that this is happening to me and other people with disabilities. They go to school like this, and I don’t want people to feel uncomfortable about it," McDermott said.

CONNECTICUT

CT Insider - Thousands rally against Trump across CT Saturday in latest national 'day of action'

In Norwalk, Connecticut Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas urged hundreds of rally-goers to stay engaged in the political process. She emphasized her point with a quote from the late Civil Rights leader and Congressional representative John Lewis.

CT News Junkie - Thousands Rally at Capitol

A banner reading “Workers Beating Billionaires” served as a backdrop for speakers addressing working conditions in the hospitality and healthcare sectors.

CBS 2 IOWA - Protesters in Cedar Rapids rally against Trump with signs and calls for change

Demonstrators lined 8th Avenue in Cedar Rapids on Saturday, holding signs and voicing opposition to the second Trump administration. The protest featured signs with messages like “Orange Lies Matter,” “No Kings,” and “Tariffs = Taxes,” indicating concerns over political leadership, executive power, and economic policies.

WISCONSIN

WKOW - Protesters Rally at Capitol for 'Buy Out the Market'

Laura Lowrey drove 45 minutes from Jefferson to attend the event, saying it’s more important than ever for people to rise up and be heard.“I'm towards the age where Social Security and Medicare and things like that, I’m going to need that soon. The old folks that are in nursing homes that use that service just to be able to stay in the nursing home. Where are they going to go if Medicare is cut?’ Lowery asked.

Point/Plover Metro Wire - Protesters rally downtown in continued opposition to Trump administration

Chants of “Show us what democracy looks like! This is what democracy looks like!” rang out through downtown Stevens Point Saturday as a column of protesters stretched from the Main Street post office to a rally at the Matthias Mitchell Public Square.

WBAY - ‘Hands Off’ rally held at Leicht Park, state Capitol building

Large crowds of people opposing President Donald Trump’s agenda were protesting across the country on Saturday, for the second time this month. Several of those “Hands Off” rallies took place in Wisconsin, including one in Green Bay at Leicht Park.

CALIFORNIA

ABC 10 - Hundreds rally in Encinitas for 'Stop the Cuts' protest

Misty O’Healy, a leader of the grassroots political group Indivisible 49, organized the event. Her late husband was a veteran and she fears what will happen if the cuts make their way to the Department of Veterans Affairs. “I am personally working on filing for compensation that I'm eligible for through my husband's service, and these cuts mean that I may or may not be able to get the benefits I'm entitled to and deserve,” she said.

ABC7 Los Angeles - Anti-Trump protesters rally in Los Angeles and across the country

Hundreds of people gathered across the Southland Saturday to protest recent moves by the Trump administration. The demonstrations are part of a nationwide series of "Hands Off! Our Democracy, Stop the Cuts Rally" protests.

Times of San Diego - Thousands rally, march across county, protesting Trump actions on budget, immigration

Also on Saturday, Indivisible organized “Stop the Cuts” rallies at multiple locations in the county to demand accountability from elected officials about upcoming budget talks. Rallies took place in Carlsbad, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Oceanside, San Marcos and Rancho Bernardo.

Huntington Now - Protesters Denounce Trump at Huntington Rally

Hundreds gathered in Huntington Saturday afternoon to protest against a variety of policies of President Donald Trump, joining thousands of similar demonstrations around the country.Dozens of drivers drove past the demonstration, blowing horns in support and giving a thumbs up. Two people on a motorcycle went by and shouted support for Trump and cursed at the protesters.

Gothamist - ‘National Day of Action’ rally in NYC draws large crowds of protesters - Gothamist

Brooklynite Gregory Goings said his daughter’s climate activism influenced him, and he added that more people need to get involved. “New York has to take the lead in resisting Trump’s agenda because New York is the most progressive place in the country and needs to step up,” Goings said. “And Hochul is not quite doing it.”

North County Public Radio - Saranac Lake joins nationwide pro-Democracy, anti-Trump Hands Off rally

Cars honked their horns as they drove by a line of protesters along the sidewalk. Chris Monaco from Saranac Lake held up a large sign with an American flag hanging off it. Monaco made the sign, which says "Has it ever worked well having a dictator?" "The answer is no, never," said Monaco. He and others here think President Donald Trump is threatening democracy and sliding the country into a dictatorship.

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Contact: Kristin Sosanie (kristin@fairshareusa.org) or Ashley Woolheater (ashley@fairshareusa.org)