Thousands in PNW march in anti-Trump ‘Hands Off’ rally

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Oregon and Washington Saturday as part of a nationwide “Hands Off!” protest against President Trump’s policies.

This is the biggest day of demonstrations — in Portland and around the country — since Trump took office again in January.

“It’s so uplifting to have all of these people come out and all be working together to try and restore democracy,” Garth Upshaw said.

Sonya Miller, who is retired, said this rally is “just a show of force to say this is not sustainable.”

Crowds filled the streets in all corners of Portland plus Beaverton, Hillsboro, Milwaukie, Tigard, Salem and Hood River along with smaller coastal towns Yachats and Waldport.

Protesters also came out in force in Vancouver and other parts of Washington.

Portland’s “50501 Movement” — 50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement — and Rose City Indivisible are among the groups that joined forces for a two-mile march.

The Portland-area protests began at the Japanese American Historical Plaza on the downtown waterfront, St. Johns Plaza in North Portland and Westmoreland Park in Southeast Portland.

Many at the protest told KOIN 6 News they have been feeling scared and saddened by how the country is being run. But this rally gave them hope.

“People are fed up,” said Lauren, a PSU student.

Seniors at the rally shared their fears about what might happen if Social Security is affected in any way.

“I am lucky that I am still able to work if I need to,” said Stephanie Barrow. “But there are a lot of people that aren’t able to, and they’ll lose their place in a retirement home or just be out on the streets if they don’t have Social Security.”

There were so many people marching through the streets Portland police shut down Naito Parkway just before 12:30 p.m., then later closed the I-5 off-ramp to the Morrison Bridge as protesters marched across.

Protester Leo Sunshine said he “saw people at bus stops with signs. I people saw people waiting at the MAX with signs, people cheering folks on, people honking their horns. And a friend messaged me and said, ‘There’s more people than there is place.'”

Elected officials joined in

In Washington County, US Rep. Suzanne Bonamici joining the protesters, along with Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beatty.

“There’s a place for tariffs and there’s a place for doing things to incentivize U.S. manufacturing,” Bonamici said. “But it’s a blanket tariff on countries, not products. It’s going to be a disaster and raise costs across the country.”

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), who has been a vocal opponent of the recent cuts, sent out a letter in support of the demonstrators:

I wish I could be with all of you instead of here in Washington, DC because of the Senate schedule. But I can feel and hear your “people power” at this rally and others just like it today across Oregon and our entire country.

And more importantly, Donald Trump, Elon Musk and their Republican accomplices all too willing to do their bidding are feeling and hearing the “people power” fighting back against their unprecedented, authoritarian and unconstitutional assault on American democracy.

I’m under no illusions. There are plenty of tough fights ahead to undo the damage that’s been done, and to get our democracy back.

But this week showed the cracks are starting to form in this attack by Trump, Musk and their MAGA marionettes on America.

Look at the election results in Wisconsin where “people power” prevailed.

Look at the Senate where “people power” got through to enough Republicans for a majority to reject Trump’s tariffs on Canada.

And look at Trump’s falling approval ratings to know large majorities of Americans aren’t on board with Trump’s insane trade war, his illegal theft of congressional investments in American infrastructure, health care, education and more.

Keep speaking out just like this. Keep the pressure up on all elected officials. And keep your eye on the prize by picking your passion, drilling down, and fighting back against the authoritarian takeover of American democracy by Trump, Musk and their DOGE thugs.

I’ll say this again — This isn’t going to be easy. But with all of us doing everything we can – blowing the whistle on this administration’s lawbreaking and cruelty — we can battle back. And we will win.

History shows the pendulum can swing back toward justice even when challenges look bleakest. So huge thanks to all of you for coming out today and pushing that pendulum back to a better America.

Sincerely, Ron Wyden

One arrest made

A 47-year-old woman was arrested Saturday afternoon after allegedly using a key to scratch a Portland Fire & Rescue brush unit at SW 1st and Ash. The paint was scratched on the rear quarterpanel, police said Saturday evening.

The woman, identified as Amber Reid, tried to walk away but was followed by a firefighter. She was arrested at NW 3rd and Couch and was booked into the Multnomah County Jail on a felony criminal mischief charge. Reid also had an outstanding warrant.

Portland Police Bureau said on Friday they expected to see thousands of protesters turn out. Chief Bob Day said their incident command center is prepared for whatever may happen. But based on risk assessments and talks with organizers, he believes the demonstrations will be a peaceful example of people exercising their First Amendment rights.

“We are continuing to use our dialog officers to reach out to planners, and we anticipate having resources available if there is a situation that arises,” Day said. “But I’m cautiously optimistic.”

Nationwide action

Opponents of President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk rallied across the U.S. to protest the administration’s actions on government downsizing, the economy, human rights and other issues.

More than 1,200 “Hands Off!” demonstrations are planned by more than 150 groups, including civil rights organizations, labor unions, LBGTQ+ advocates, veterans and elections activists.

Protesters are assailing the Trump administration’s moves to fire thousands of federal workers, close Social Security Administration field offices, effectively shutter entire agencies, deport immigrants, scale back protections for transgender people and cut federal funding for health programs.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.