Abilenians join nationwide protests against Trump admin policies

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – About 100 demonstrators gathered outside Abilene City Hall on Saturday, holding signs like “Hands Off Our Education” and “Hands Off Social Security” as part of a nationwide protest against President Donald Trump’s policies.

The Abilene demonstration was scheduled for 3:00 p.m., but many protestors arrived early. By 2:30, crowds were already forming at the entrance to City Hall, signs in hand, chanting and calling for change.

Their goal? To send a message to the Trump administration: To keep “hands off” the programs and policies that have been targeted by executive orders and changes from the White House and the Department of Government Efficiency — known as “DOGE” — this year.

For protestor Kristy Compton, “hands off” hits close to home.

“I was a librarian. So for me, hands off books, free people read freely, and nobody should tell you what to read. I certainly am not happy with the cuts to the Institute of Museum and Library Services. That’s not cool with librarians,” Compton said.

Locals weren’t the only ones showing up. Jenny, who was visiting family from Maine, said she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to join the demonstration.

“I’m an educator. I’m an athlete. I’m a woman. I’m a mother. I want this country to stick up for what it has been and for what people from around the world have always thought it was. And that is a beacon of liberty, hope and peace,” Jenny shared.

More than 1,200 “Hands Off!” demonstrations were planned across the country, backed by more than 150 organizations — including civil rights groups, labor unions, LGBTQ+ advocates, Veterans’ groups, and more.