Thousands fill Capitol Campus to oppose a wide range of Trump administration actions

Thousands of people streamed onto the Capitol Campus in Olympia on Saturday afternoon to protest a plethora of actions President Donald Trump and special government employee Elon Musk have taken since Trump took office in January.

Capitol security employees estimated the crowd at more than 5,000, but thousands more showed up for scores of other similar events throughout the state and nation organized under the umbrella of a “Hands Off!” day of action.

The rallies were designed to “send a message to the world that we do not consent to the destruction of our government, our economy, our civil rights, and our Constitution for the benefit of Trump and his billionaire allies,” according to the organization’s website.

The issues that motivated individuals to spend their Saturday at a rally were wide-reaching. One woman held a sign that said “Protect: Human Rights, Schools, Parks, DEI, Science, Medicare.” When someone commented on how many items she highlighted, she said simply, “It’s everything!”

Before and after the rally on the north steps of the Legislative Building, many protesters lined Capitol Way to chant and wave at passing cars.

Many cars honked in response, although a few showed their displeasure, including a truck with a banner “Veterans for Trump” as well as American and DOGE flags flying.

But other veterans saw it differently, attending the rally to object to the way the President has treated vets and their services.

Many in attendance were senior citizens who had protested objectionable government policies and laws over the decades. But some of them said they had a new motivation now.

“I’m here for my children,” said Sara Knight of Tumwater. “I can’t believe I did this 50 years ago, and I have to do this again.”

This story was originally published April 5, 2025 at 6:30 PM.