Protesters took to the streets across Oregon on Saturday, with hundreds gathering in cities including Tigard, Madras, Pendleton, and Medford, as part of the national “Hands Off” day of action. In Portland, several thousand demonstrators took to the streets, fueled by a nationwide campaign against what they describe as an “illegal power grab” by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
Organizers of the “Hands Off” movement estimated that over 1,000 events were planned in all 50 states and Washington D.C., aiming to mobilize hundreds of thousands of participants. The rallies are coordinated, in part, by the 50501 Movement, which previously held similar nationwide events earlier in February.
In Portland, multiple demonstrations occurred throughout the day, with the largest gathering at Tom McCall Waterfront Park starting at noon. This massive assembly quickly swelled to thousands, who marched down Naito Parkway, chanting slogans and displaying a variety of signs expressing discontent with the Trump administration. The marchers then crossed the Morrison and Burnside Bridges, temporarily halting traffic. The Portland Police Bureau later announced that both bridges had reopened.
Organizers of the nationwide protests emphasized their message, urging Trump and Musk to “take their hands off the programs that middle-class and working families depend on.” The demonstrations began early in the Portland metro area and continued throughout the day across the state.
In Tigard, several hundred protesters marched along Highway 99, voicing concerns about the potential impact of tariffs on their savings and expressing fears regarding the future of Social Security and recent deportation actions.
In Bend, hundreds gathered at Peace Corner, while around 200 people protested in Madras, including residents from nearby areas as well as those traveling from Medford and Portland. The crowd comprised educators, disabled veterans, and forestry workers. Additionally, approximately 200 people gathered at Pendleton City Hall, and in Eugene, thousands surrounded City Hall to express their solidarity.
