Details on the April 5th National Day of Protest
American citizens and green card holders are being denied entrance back into the United States. Those allowed back in often have to hand over their mobile devices first for review. Republicans are refusing to attend town halls in their jurisdictions. American heroes like Colin Powell are being erased from government websites, and we're deporting individuals to countries not even their own, where they are imprisoned without committing a single crime. This doesn't even touch on dismantling government agencies that care for the most vulnerable populations.
Details on the April 5th Protest, also known as People's Veto Day and HANDS OFF National Day of Protest
Several readers have reached out to me asking for information on the April 5th National Day of Protest. Called the HANDS OFF National Day of Protest as well as the People's Veto Day, this is a nationwide protest with the largest group gathering in Washington, D.C.
Unlike previous protests this year, this protest is being organized by multiple organizations with a planned location and clearer information. Even so, without the news reporting on it, it's hard to get all the information needed to participate. I am no expert; I am getting all my information from the groups organizing this event:
- The HANDS OFF website and the groups partnering for this protest
- The April 5th protest page on the Women's March site
- The Indivisible site, promoting the April 5th protest
- The 50501 site promoting the April 5th protest
- The Rally page offering bus share to the April 5th DC protest
- The list on Mobilize of nationwide protests happening on April 5th
- The No Voice Unheard site where you can click on your state and find what events are happening April 5th
- Th!rd Act's page for the HANDS OFF protest
Whether or not you voted for this administration, you may be concerned with what is happening. And you may feel helpless or hopeless. But know an oligarchy does not govern us; The United States of America is still a republic, and we still have a voice if we join together to amplify our voice. This makes our country great; we can be frustrated about acts even if we support the party or politician and can voice our frustrations. It is American to protest; it is what made our country and was built into our Constitution.
When is the Hands Off National Protest People's Veto Day?
April 5, 2025, is the next nationwide protest. Hosted by Indivisible, Women's March, MoveOn, 50501, and more than a dozen other national and local activism groups, the “Hands Off” Day of Action, also known as the People's Veto Day is joining our voices to let the administration know we are not supporting its actions.
Hands off our Medicare and Medicaid. Hands off our Social Security and our personal data. Hands off Veteran services and our national parks. Hands off all the services, rights, and freedoms that truly make America great.
Where is the April 5th Hands Off People's Veto Day Protest?
The April 5th DC event is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at the Sylvan Theater on the grounds of the Washington Monument. However, folks are just encouraged to gather at the National Mall by noon. The hope is so many attend we will need all of this space.
Not everyone can get to D.C. on April 5, 2025. There may already be an event organized for the same day and time closer to your home; you can find already organized nationwide events at this link. If there isn't an event, at this link, you can learn how to host one.
Why Haven't I Heard of the April 5, 2025 Protest Until Now?
According to the Crowd Counting Consortium, more than 2,085 protests took place nationwide in February alone. Compare that to February 2017 of this president's first administration, which saw 937 protests. However, this year, the protests have been smaller because this go-round, they haven't been promoted on Meta platforms or mainstream news.
This isn't a conspiracy theory; who else remembers the many Facebook groups organizing the Women's March, Pantsuit Nation, and Indivisible? I remember seeing the back of my head on the NBC Nightly News as I walked the streets of DC during the Women's March. Now, in 2025, to see the protests happening across our country (and the globe), you need to follow the right people on platforms or search for news on alternative sites like Reddit and Bluesky.
Why Should I Participate in the Hands Off People's Veto Day 2025 Protest on April 5th?
Many of us have relatives who served in the military defending democracy overseas. Many of our relatives died defending democracy. How would they feel to know that we are now rolling over and letting democracy die here on our home turf?
What Should I Bring to the April 5th Protest?
I attended the February 17 President's Day Protest in D.C. It was a sunny but very cold and windy day. This was a smaller event, and I stayed for around two hours. Since the event wasn't very long, I didn't need a lot of supplies for comfort and safety. What I did bring:
- Comfortable waterproof shoes. The ground was very muddy in places, and some places were puddles of mud water. I was glad to wear my broken-in waterproof hiking boots with my favorite comfort insoles. The National Mall can be dry, and it can be a muddy mess. Prepare for mud and for being on your feet for a couple of hours.
- A sign. While there were people passing out small signs and American flags, I was glad to have a large sign. Signs make a crowd look larger, makes folks feel solidarity, and attracts press to take photos. No need to be fancy; folks had signs on pieces of cardboard boxes, the backside of science fair projects and old tarps, we even saw one guy make a pillar-like sign out of a long narrow IKEA box! No ideas? Search social media for messages and inspiration.
- Sunglasses and a face mask. These protests have been peaceful and safe so far but you never know when some jerks will try to ruin it and turn it into a dangerous situation. Consider both not just for sunny days and crowds, but fr protecting your identity if things go sideways.
- Sustenance. You don't know if you'll be there for an hour or five. Bring a protein bar or snack and water. I have a Vapur anti-bottle for water (available at REI, Staples, and big box retailers), and I clipped it to my crossbody with a carabiner. Once empty, I could roll it up and tuck it in my purse.
- Personal necessities. If you wear contacts, consider either wearing glasses or bring them as backup. Menstrual products, if applicable. Same with any meds, just in case you're away longer than expected. Consider bringing some wet wipes and/or T.P. in case you're stuck in a grody porta-potty.
- A hands-free bag. Backpacks can be sketchy as you can bump into folks and get pickpocketed more easily. I took the same nylon crossbody I took to the Women's March, and it was perfect.
- Inside, I had a face mask, bandana, sunglasses, a phone charger, sunscreen (you can get burned even this time of year), lip balm, eye drops, and still in there from 2017, I had a laminated street map and an index card with emergency contact info in case my phone was dead/lost.
- My phone has a SmarTrip card in the virtual wallet and rideshare apps.
- I brought only my ID, my insurance card, and one credit card, along with $50 in cash. I left my keys at home (I caught a ride from my sister) and didn't wear any jewelry or accessories of value.
- Layers. D.C. weather is so temperamental. At the beginning of April, it likely will be between 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can be humid, incredibly windy, raining, or balmy and beautiful. Heck, it has even snowed in April. It also can be 40 degrees at 9 am and 80 degrees by 2 pm, so watch the forecast and dress in layers with your top layer something waterproof.
For additional information, and if you're worried that the event may be more dangerous than other ones so far in 2025, check out my post on what to wear to a protest march.
I encourage you to use the comments to share additional information about the April 5th HANDS OFF / The People's Veto Protest in Washington, D.C., and across the country. We have a voice, we have the right to share it, and our voices are amplified when we join together.
P.S. For those who are frustrated that I am writing about politics when I am a style blog, please see my activism archives. Wardrobe Oxygen has always been political, and fashion is and always has been political. From what we buy based on recessions and times of war, the reason certain colors are popular, to our hemlines and shoe toebox shapes, it is affected by politics.
I understand wanting a break from politics, but we live in a very important time where changes are happening daily. Taking a break can change our history overnight. If what is going on isn't affecting you, know it's coming and it makes sense to be informed, do your own research, check out a variety of news sources, and understand that you matter and if you're concerned, you are not alone.
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Coming from outside the US, the whole circus show is rather concerning. But one thing that I am acutely aware of is, that this situation needn’t have arisen in the first place. If those comfortable middle class had stopped to consider the plight of many US citizens in the poorer areas (yes, including those vulgar “Rednecks”) then the “Orange one” might not have won in the first place.
We had a similar situation in the UK with BREXIT. It was arrogance that produced the result, voted in by a proportion of the population who had simply had enough of the “same old” and being taken for fools.
The US is supposedly the land of opportunity, but to us outsiders it is anything but. Unless you are connected or live in the right state and support the “Ivy League” you now have little opportunity.
Before rushing out and waving banners, honestly reflect on what your real attitude was before this awful situation arose.
And, before anyone rushes to conclusion, no I am not a political activist, Rep puppet or anything similar. Just someone who can see the problem in its entirety.
With all due respect, you seem to be assuming quite a lot about those of us ready to “wave our little banners” on Sat. If voting for the candidate who *wouldn’t have* gone after Social Security, Medicaid, veterans’ benefits, SNAP and other forms of food assistance, affordable health insurance, workers’ rights to unionize, FEMA and disaster assistance, and the preservation and protection of national lands isn’t in the interest of economically struggling Americans — what is? You seem to have swallowed the rightwing conservative tripe about liberals “not caring” about “folks in Appalachia” (an offensive stereotype you’ve deployed there, by the way) because we support immigrant rights, women’s right to control their own bodies, and everyone’s right to determine their sexuality. I’d ask YOU to “reflect” on just what exactly it is you’re asking us to reconsider. Our opposition to racism? Our belief that an unelected billionaire should not be slashing federal services to pay for his own tax cut? Our horror that plainclothed masked “officers” are snatching legal foreign residents off the streets and disappearing? Our, um, concern that our government considers criticism of its policies on social media justification for deportation and that our president is threatening invasion of our sovereign neighbors while openly mulling unconstitutionally running for a third term? We are well along the road of authoritarian takeover and you’d like us to “reflect” on why what we stand for may have alienated MAGA. Seriously, unless you’re willing to literally walk a mile in our shoes — and live in this country under the autocracy that will absolutely be our govt if Trump Musk et all are not stopped — take a seat.
It is so easy to make assumptions when looking from the outside. I could do the same with your country and all its issues and I know you would come back saying I got it wrong. And that’s what I’ll say to you: you got it wrong.
You are missing the nuance, the incredibly large size of our country (your entire country is smaller than Oregon, which is the 9th largest state of our 50), how each state has different climate and topography and natural resources and populations and religions, and some are very rura,l and some are mixed, some are mountains, and some are deserts, that some states rely on industries or policies that other states find unnecessary… I could go on and on. I think what outsiders miss is our size in regard to land but also population.
As of 2023, your country had 68.35 million people, and in 2024, the US had 340.1 million. A lot of the issues we experience is what you just did; voters and politicians think they know what is best but they are only seeing it from their personal perspective.
Thanks Alison – All of this information is so useful and actually what I’ve been looking for. I’m really hoping I can find a bus group or even a ride share going to D.C.. from where I am in Springfield, Ma. If not possibly closer to home but I want to go to Washington. I am on Social Security/Medicare after being hit by a drunk driver I had a great career in the Medical Field that after 4 spinal surgeries I was told I was a liability. I was put into a situation after doing everything right for myself and 2kids I’ve had 9 surgeries. Was left with $90,000 in hospital bills, lost my retirement, 401k, profit-share. Now I’m 60 Tomorrow Due for another surgery, my life partner is a USMC Veteran, disabled What will we do if we lose our Social Security?? My 93 y/o Dad still lives in our family home What will he do?? They (Trump’s Administration) are destroying Lives without knowing We ALL have Stories and Deserve to live I volunteer putting together food boxes every month for the elderly and We are loosing our deliveries of food. It’s once a month.
I hope I see everyone in D. C. If Not Get out APRIL 5 we need to Show Out!! & Show Up!!
Thanks for this! Before wearing a mask, one might want to be sure there’s no risk to doing so. It sounds like one could possibly be arrested for wearing a mask—something to keep an eye on. See this https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/states-dust-off-obscure-anti-mask-laws-to-target-pro-palestine-protesters Sounds like currently only campus protesters, but I can see them ramping up to enforce everywhere in 2 weeks….
Thank you for this information, Alison. I am glad that you include political posts, especially now when so much is under attack by this administration. There is nothing normal about what is going on.
Thanks for highlighting this information!! I don’t see it anywhere else ( even my local D group!)
Thank you for amplifying this, I plan on attending a local protest nearby. Got any good sign ideas? 🙂
Musk. Trump. Unregistered Agents from Russia – DEPORT THEM NOW!
Thank you so much for promoting this! I’m a former VA social worker and I what’s going on there is breaking my heart. I appreciate you using your platform for this. Stay strong, sisters!
Thank you for sharing! A few local groups I follow have been sharing about this today on their Facebook pages, which I was happy to see. Your information and your activism are appreciated!
My husband and I will be at the protest in San Luis Obispo, California.
Thank you for the information!
Thank you! I looked, and there is a protest at my city hall. I’m working, but I’m going to see if I can get my husband to go (he keeps complaining about what the Administration is doing)
Thanks so much. Appreciate your posts on this topic and wish I could be in DC for these events.
Hi. While I am absolutely upset about what is going on in this country, I am also nervous about crowds getting out of control. I am going to Washington DC with my husband, daughter, son-in-law and 2 grandsons (5 and 10) during spring break in April. We are staying at the Metro Marriott because it has a pool, and it is close to the museums. We will also take the metro to the zoo. Any suggestions from locals on what to avoid. Also, any suggestions on what to do with the boys other than the zoo and museums?
Don’t worry about the crowds, it will be primarily spring breakers which are families. I have felt just as safe now in DC as I have in the past couple of years. There are the occasional protests in front of agencies, businesses busting unions, and businesses associated with the current administration, but they are all contained and relatively peaceful. The Spy Museum is super fun for kids that age and it’s close to the Chinatown metro. If they’re super into LEGO, there is an Art of the Brick exhibit you can book tours of. Also check out https://www.kidfriendlydc.com/ which notes all special events in the DC area, the dates and info specifically for kid-friendly activities!
Thank you! Great advice. My husband really wanted to check out the spy museum too! haha!
Thank you so much, Allison! Really wonderful that you are using your platform to amplify this information. You are absolutely correct that not many other platforms for news are carrying this info. Thanks again and also for the tips on what to bring/ wear to a protest. Your blog is the first one I have seen with such smart, detailed suggestions.
Your political posts are among the best and most thoughtful that I read! The ones highlighting protests should be required reading for anyone planning to participate; they’re full of practical useful information that isn’t addressed by anyone anywhere else.
I’d like to post a link to this on Bluesky, but I don’t know what the consequences of that could be for you or if you’d welcome the attention that might bring? If you’re comfortable, I will but not without your permission. I’m in Wisconsin and most of my posts lately have been about our April 1 Supreme Court election, so at 75 I’ve become political in a way I never expected to be again. Thank you for providing real-world advice in these turbulent times.
That is totally fine to link to it, thank you for asking!
Thanks so much for highlighting this event. I’ve seen posts about it on Bluesky but nothing on IG. It’s enraging (if not surprising) that Meta is suppressing this info. It looks like there’s a protest in my town, so I’ll be there (and will be mindful of your list of what to/not to bring).
Thanks again for standing up for everyone who relies on SS, veterans’ programs, medicaid, and medicare. They are critical tentpoles of our social safety network. We’re lucky to have them. It would be devastating to lose them.
Looks there is active planning going on in my town.
The advice on what to take is valuable.
I’m glad to get this information from a source I know I can trust. LIke quite a few of my friends, I try to not get too much exposure to daily news.
Thank you for sharing this. I appreciate you amplifying information about these events!
Thank you! I appreciate you using your platform, now and in the past, to talk about this.
We’re protesting in our senior community (ages 75 to 100+) on Fridays. I’ll share your info and see if our group wants join in on April 5. Thanks for the info!
Thanks for sharing this! We are traveling then but I found a protest in the city we are visiting!
Thank you!
Thank you!
Thanks for the information!