HOLLAND — Frustrated protesters gathered in Holland on Saturday, April 5, as part of a nationwide “Hands Off!” protest decrying several controversial decisions by President Donald J. Trump’s Administration and his top advisor, billionaire Elon Musk.

Indivisible Lakeshore helped organize the local demonstration. According to the website, the events were held to protest Trump and Musk's decisions to slash federal jobs and spending, which opponents view as unprecedented power grabs.

The Holland protest, which manifested at Centennial Park, began a little after noon and quickly gained numbers. About 1,300 people signed up virtually, according to Indivisible volunteer staff, however, it actually appeared to be nearly 2,000 with rows of people stretched from Ninth to 14th streets on South River Avenue.

“We’re basically a grassroots effort,” said Nancy Honor, a leading member of Indivisible Lakeshore. “To quote Cory Booker, ‘This isn’t about Democrats or Republicans, it’s about right and wrong,’ and Indivisible stands for an opportunity to be politically active without having to say I’m a Republican or I’m a Democrat — it’s an open group.”

“We’ve only been in existence for five weeks,” said Honor, talking about the Holland branch of Indivisible.

Honor’s parents were also in attendance and came from the Upper Peninsula to join their daughter. It's their first rally, and her mother is turning 93 soon.

Frank Boersema said he decided to join the protest over his concern of potential cuts to Social Security and his veterans benefits.

“I’m not a rich man, but I served and have (VA) benefits, which I rely on now. But will I get them in two months?” said Boersema. 

There were over 1,300 protests across the United States, and over 50 throughout Michigan, according to HandsOff2025.com. 

“This is the best turnout I’ve ever seen,” said Bob Hamilton, a Park Township resident. “I’ve been attending protests in this community for 35 years and I’ve never seen it this large.”

A number of participants, holding various signs over their heads brought megaphones and cowbells to make noise as drivers passed. The drivers honked, revved engines and even carried signs of their own in response. 

“This is beautiful! It feels so empowering — like for every person (in a car) that give you the middle finger, you get 10 thumbs ups and all these thank yous,” said Alex Copeland, a member of the Indivisible volunteer staff, as well as BAM (By Any Means Necessary), talking about how it felt to see the large turnout.

Husband and wife Bob and Jo Bird shared their thoughts on the Trump Administration's cuts to various government agencies and programs. 

Jo Bird, with tears in her eyes, talked about how deeply upset she was that the Trump Administration abandoned Ukrainian children while Bob Bird talked about cuts to the USAID program:

“They’re taking away USAID — overseas — and literally that saves peoples lives. They’re going to let people die so they can have a bigger tax cut — and that is obscene!”

Amongst the crowd's feelings of anger and frustration, many in attendance expressed optimism and hope seeing so many others in attendance.

“I’m here to stand up for, and with my daughters, to fight for their rights,” said Rachael Hutchinson, with her two daughters. “And I’m proud of Holland for showing up.”

Chris Kostamo, was “happy” to see the outcome of the Wisconsin Supreme Court election; Dane County Circuit Judge Susan Crawford won the election Tuesday over Waukesha County Circuit Judge Brad Schimel, who had the endorsement of Musk and President Donald Trump.

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When asked why he decided to attend the Holland event, he turned around to show the back of his T-shirt which, said: “I will not and did not vote for the felon, rapist, fraud, thief.”  

As people chanted “Hey, hey, ho, ho! Elon Musk has got to go,” some participants in the crowd said it was a nice reminder that they're not alone in this fight. 

Indivisible Lakeshore, and associated groups such as BAM said more protests are in the planning stages.

— Christopher Thome covers business and development and politics for ONN. Contact him at cthome@ottawanewsnetwork.org.