Podcast 127
By Jackalyn Rainosek, PhD
On Saturday, April 5th, Americans across the country came together in marches, town halls, and public gatherings to say what millions are feeling deep in their bones: Hands Off!
Hands Off our rights. Hands Off our freedoms. Hands Off our future.
We are watching Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and the Republican-controlled Congress rip away the foundations of our democracy—piece by piece—with cruelty, carelessness, and staggering incompetence. Their actions threaten the economy, women’s lives, public safety, science, education, and the very soul of America. But we are not powerless—and we are not alone.
A massive resistance is rising. And it is made up of organizations, journalists, citizens, Democrats, and even former Trump voters who now say, “Never again.”
These Are the Fighters—The Defenders of Our Democracy
Here are just some of the groups standing up and taking action:
- 314 Action Fund – Supporting scientists and STEM professionals to run for office, bringing evidence-based leadership to fight Trump’s war on science and facts.
- America United – Founded to promote civility, unity, and truth in politics, pushing back on the lies and division that MAGA thrives on.
- The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Atlantic – These journalistic institutions continue to expose the truth, holding this chaotic administration accountable with relentless investigative reporting.
- The American Constitution Society – A progressive legal organization that fights back against far-right legal manipulation, protecting judicial integrity and constitutional rights. This group is not acquiescing to Trump like some legal firms are doing they are suiting Trump and Musk for all the illegal and unconstitutional actions they are taking.
- Bright America – Empowering communities to protect democracy, uplift diverse voices, and resist the erasure of history and inclusion.
- CNN – Reporting on the daily unraveling of government transparency and exposing the hypocrisy and danger of the MAGA agenda.
- The Democratic Redistricting Committee – Combating Republican gerrymandering and restoring fair representation to protect every vote.
- Forbes & INC – Business journalism outlets that aren’t shying away from showing how Trump’s tariffs and economic recklessness are destroying markets, retirement accounts, and financial security.
- League of Women Voters – Defending voting rights and empowering informed, active participation in government at all levels.
- Penzey’s Spices – A small business turned bold voice for democracy, calling out Trumpism and funding social justice efforts through their platform and profits.
- Planned Parenthood – Leading the legal charge against abortion bans, standing before the Supreme Court to protect women’s healthcare and autonomy.
- Public Citizen – Mobilizing national action, including the April 5th “Hands Off” day of resistance, and defending people against corporate and political corruption. Have 8 suits against Trump and Musk and are supporting other legal organizations to bring suits.
- Southern Poverty Law Center – Tracking and fighting hate groups, and legally challenging efforts to roll back civil rights.
- Rural Democrats Turnout Fund – Reaching rural voters who feel abandoned, disillusioned, and ready to help rebuild a better America.
- TIME Magazine – Shining a national spotlight on government failures, social justice movements, and the consequences of Trump’s second term chaos.
- Many Democrats in Congress – Who are refusing to back down, challenging dangerous policies, and introducing legislation to protect what we hold dear.
- And the People—everywhere – Citizens across this country, including many who once supported Trump, are standing up to say “I regret my vote—and I’m fighting for what’s right.”
I would greatly appreciate you send me all the organizations you know that are taking actions against Trump and Musk.
The Hands Off! March: A Turning Point
The march on April 5th was more than protest—it was a national awakening. From coast to coast, people spoke truth to power:
- “Hands Off Social Security” – As Trump’s tariffs tank the stock market and Musk manipulates finances, seniors see their retirements under threat.
- “Hands Off Our Bodies” – As women die from anti-abortion laws and states criminalize doctors, the demand for bodily autonomy rings louder than ever.
- “Hands Off DEI” – As universities are bullied into abandoning inclusion programs, Americans fight back to protect diversity and truth.
- “Hands Off LGBTQ+ Communities” – As Trump and Musk amplify hatred and transphobia, millions stand up for love, dignity, and equal rights.
- “Hands Off Science” – As scientific studies go unfunded, censored, or erased, the fight continues for climate justice and medical innovation.
- “Hands Off Our Federal Agencies” – As critical agencies are dismantled, FEMA is left under-resourced, and we are all more vulnerable to disasters.
- “Hands Off Our Neighbors” – As undocumented Americans who contribute and pay taxes are deported without cause; the cruelty becomes unbearable.
This is a limited list of people and organizations that have been treated with distain, and disrespect by Trump, Musk and the Republican Members of the Congress.
This Isn’t Governance—It’s Sabotage
The Atlantic said it best: “Trump hasn’t learned anything since his first term—and there’s no master plan coming to save us.”
This administration accidentally sends war plans to journalists. It deports legal residents. It fires the very people it needs—and confuses import prices with retail in their tariff formulas. They don’t know what they’re doing, but they do know one thing: chaos and fear serve their power.
But Americans are seeing through the smoke.
To the Americans Who Now Regret Voting for Trump: It’s Not Too Late
This is your country too. If you once believed the lies, if you thought he’d help your family, if you now see the damage—it’s time to rise with us.
You are not alone in your regret. But now is the time to turn it into action.
This Is the Moment We Decide Who We Are
America is not a playground for billionaires. It’s not a tool for white nationalism, misogyny, or authoritarianism.
America is ours. The people’s. It is built on diversity, on protest, on resistance, on bold ideas, and on a promise that we will do better.
So let us rise—not in fear, but in fierce, unapologetic unity. Let us link arms, raise our voices, and protect what is ours:
Our rights. Our bodies. Our neighbors. Our future.
Because we are not backing down. Not now. Not ever.