Augusta, Atlanta, S.C. protesters fight federal downsizing

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Georgians took to the streets Saturday as part of a national protest against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk.

About 100 people protested at the Augusta-Richmond County Municipal Building, and thousands were reported in Atlanta.

In Atlanta, they walked from Piedmont Park in Midtown to the downtown Georgia State Capitol, holding signs with messages like “trade war makes us all poor” and “honk if you hate Elon Musk.”

The crowds are a part of “Hands Off!”, a movement with more than 1,200 planned demonstrations in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Protestors are against many of the Trump administration’s decisions, from firing federal workers to scaling back LGBTQ+ rights.

The move comes three days after Trump announced sweeping tariffs that sparked international fear and plunged financial markets.

In metro Atlanta, protests have also been spotted in areas like Woodstock, Marietta, Chamblee, Carrollton and more.

In South Carolina

On Saturday, hundreds joined together at the South Carolina State House in Columbia for a similar protest.

Protesters expressed frustration about the threats to the Department of Education, the firing of federal workers, the deportation of immigrants, and new tariffs.

“They stop attacking the organizations and the things that are in place to help people with education and disability,” said protester Angel Lee.

“There’s too much dismantling going on. They need to stop with tariffs and the trade wars. All this is just disruptive, and it’s just hurting the everyday people.”

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