Hundreds from around the South Coast gathered in front of the Dartmouth Mall Saturday, April 5 in opposition of the recent policies and cuts from the administration of President Donald Trump.

Dartmouth was just one of the over a thousand “Hands Off!” rallies that took place across the country on Saturday for the National Day of Action. Participants stretched from one side of Faunce Corner Road to the other and all along the front of the mall, waving signs that read, “Resist,” “Wake up,” “Where law ends tyranny begins,” “The power of the people is stronger than the people in power” and more.

Since taking office, Trump has issued dozens of executive orders rolling back environmental protections, cutting social programs like Medicaid and Social Security and dismantling the Department of Education — while working to fulfill a campaign promise of mass deportation for immigrants. 

On April 2, dubbed “Liberation Day” by the President, the administration announced a sweeping 10% tariff on all imported goods and higher “reciprocal tariffs” on dozens of countries. In response the stock market tumbled, erasing $2 trillion in value. 

Many of the Trump administration’s cuts and rollbacks have been facilitated by the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Musk. In the name of efficiency, Musk has fired hundreds of thousands of federal employees including National Park staff, FEMA workers, Department of Defense personnel and those working in U.S. foreign aid, among many others. 

The crowd in Dartmouth was energetic, smiling, ringing bells and cheering for what they believed as passing cars honked their horns in support, offering some shouts of approval. They were also joined by the Toe Jam Puppet Band and other musicians who led the crowd through songs, such as “Stand By Me.” 

Megan Lincoln of Dartmouth said she attended the protest with her two kids Ally, 7, and Charlie, 4, to show them “that we’re fighting for equality.”

Seeing the people join together, Lincoln said, “This is heartening — not ‘disheartening’ like it has been for the last two months.”

Like many working families, Lincoln is worried about the future, and things like her family’s ability to purchase a car and her children’s education.

“I have young children, but right around the corner, they’re not going to be little anymore and I just want them to have the rights that I grew up with,” she said. 

Speaking about the recent actions of the federal government, Melody Affonce of Fairhaven said, “This is absolutely ridiculous. I never thought I’d see this in my lifetime ever — ever.”

Affonce has already begun to see the effects of cuts. Working for a state office that helps people with disabilities get into the workforce, she said, “a lot of our funding comes from the Department of Education, so we are now in a budget crunch — almost a budget crisis.”

“It’s very scary for us,” she added.

Carol Wood of Dartmouth said she’s “distressed” with what’s happening in the country, noting that Trump is creating a “complete disaster.”

"It's hurting so many people — even the people that voted for him,” she said.

Greg Rosario of Acushnet said he joined the protest to stand up for everyone’s rights.

“We’re losing a lot here with these bad decisions that the government is making,” he said. “The tariffs are way out of line. … I have a sister who collects disability and it could affect her.”

Emma Bruce of New Bedford said, “People shouldn’t be illegal,” and highlighted how the country is losing a lot of the progress that has been made in making America a safe space for everyone, such as the LGBTQ+ community.

A small part of the crowd showed up as a counter protest in favor of the Trump Administration, waving flags depicting Trump and campaign signs, calling to “Make America Great Again.”

Christine Sylvia of Dartmouth, who worked on the Trump campaign for Massachusetts and is chairwoman of Independents for Trump, said she came out to reinforce her support for President Donald Trump.

“I am just here to make our country get on target for my kids in the future — so that’s my goal,” she said. “I’m here for the freedom of doing whatever you want to do in America.”

Though some stated the protest was not only “peaceful,” but also “joyful,” there were some tensions between the opposing groups. Dartmouth Police, who were in attendance, set up cones to give each side their own space and escorted away individuals who were getting confrontational.

Russ Mello of Rochester spoke in support of the Trump Administration.

“He’s making changes,” Mello said. “They think the world is going to end, but it’s not,” he said. 

Noting the large turnout for those against Trump, Mello said, “It’s just too bad, as far as I’m concerned, they don’t know the true circumstances. They don’t know what’s really going on because they listen to mainstream media, which, like Trump says, is fake news.”

“Eventually the truth will come out,” he added. “I don’t know if they can handle it.”

Those at the protest were joined by the State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, who, through a megaphone, spoke to a cheering crowd.

“What we have happening at the federal level is atrocious,” she said. “I audit government programs. I believe in government efficiency. We stand up for transparency, accountability, accessibility, and yes, we stand up for equity.”

DiZoglio said this is the mission of her office and the Trump Administration needs to keep their “hands off our libraries! Hands off our education! Hands off our Social Security! Hands off our medical research!”

“It’s time to come together in Massachusetts and say, ‘Enough is enough,”” she added.

Taylor Patterson and her mother Erin, who are both from New Bedford, organized Dartmouth’s protest. After attending a few in Boston, they wanted to give surrounding communities an opportunity to join together.

“Silence is being complicit,” Erin said. “The more people we get together, the more people in our community can help each other. I feel like we need everyone right now. No voice is too small. No action is too small. Bring back the love and get rid of the hate.”