In January, Donald Trump returned to the White House, Elon Musk at his side, with a clear agenda: break the government, loot it, and privatize it. 

But the people recognize this blatant abuse of our democracy. April 5 marked the largest single day of action against the corruption unfolding in Washington under the Musk-Trump Administration. Protests drew millions of people across the country, and Food & Water Watch joined more than 20 from Oakland, CA to Princeton, NJ. 

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Together, we demanded that Trump and his “First Buddy” Musk take their hands off our food, water, education, Social Security, civil rights, and freedoms to support tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy. With the White House’s attack on the programs and resources people rely on most, the people are fighting back in displays of public resistance and their message is clear: Hands Off!

But Donald Trump cannot upend our democracy on his own — it takes a coalition of like-minded legislators to move his vision through Congress. Most Republicans — and some prominent Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer — have advanced the Musk-Trump agenda. Two of those people are Representatives Ryan Mackenzie (PA-7) and Zach Nunn (IA-3). 

As part of the national day of action, Food & Water Watch led two of the 1,200 rallies held by over 150 organizations. One was held in Allentown, PA and one in Des Moines, IA to let Mackenzie and Nunn know that enough is enough!

While Allentown and Des Moines are over 1,000 miles apart, it doesn’t matter where we are in the country; Food & Water Watch knows that any attack on our food, water, and safety is a threat to all of us. 

Hands Off Allentown, PA 

On a rainy day in Allentown, PA, 2,000 people showed up in force to demand that Rep. Ryan Mackenzie hold the Musk-Trump Administration accountable and prioritize the issues his constituents face at home. 

Allentown has 10,818 known toxic lead and galvanized water lines. Yet, amidst Congressionally-targeted rollbacks of the Lead Out of Water rule, Rep. Mackenzie voted for a spending bill that included more than $1 billion in cuts to clean water projects. Mackenzie also voted for a budget resolution that will slash Agriculture programs including SNAP benefits, though over 40,000 households in his district rely on SNAP for food. 

Speakers, including Food & Water Watch Senior Pennsylvania Organizer Ginny Marcille-Kerslake, addressed the crowd about threats to lead pipe replacements and SNAP food benefits, while highlighting the dangers of federal job cuts to food safety and public health. 

Said Ginny, “Right now, clean water, safe food, and our democracy are on the chopping block. But we won’t stand for it. If this moment in time shows us anything, it’s the need for transparency and brave leadership, and we hope Rep. Mackenzie can rise to the occasion.”

By slashing funding and the federal workforce, Trump will harm already marginalized communities. That includes low-income families, environmental justice communities, veterans, and many more.

Janet Oborski, President of Local 1699 of the American Federation of Government Employees, said: 

“The Veteran Affairs federal workforce are your families, friends, and neighbors. We are healthcare professionals that ensure our Country’s servicemen and women receive the care they were promised when they made the sacrifice of protecting our country. DOGE and this administration want to destroy how we care for them and change how we respect our proud veterans. AFGE will fight for our veterans and all federal workers who keep America running.” 

Hands Off Des Moines, IA

Like Pennsylvania, Iowa understands the need to show up with power at this moment. After defeating a dangerous bill that would have shielded pesticide corporations from many health-related lawsuits just days before, Des Moines had their sights set on not only state accountability, but federal too.  

Over 2,000 Iowans joined ranks at Rep. Zach Nunn’s office in a procession to the State Capitol. Calls across the crowd echoed demands for accountability for the sophomore legislator.

Nunn voted in favor of the spending bill and budget resolution that put clean water programs — including 20% of funding for rural water projects — and food assistance on the chopping block. In Nunn’s district, 31,100 households rely on SNAP for food. With the representative supporting major cuts to programs Iowans rely on, the people made their voices heard.

Food & Water Watch Iowa Organizer Michaelyn Mankel, one of the organizers and speakers at the event, stated:

“As an oligarchic coup unfolds in Washington, it is everyday people who are losing out. So far, Rep. Nunn has gone along with the Trump-Musk agenda, but as his constituents we expect him to stand up for us and oppose these dangerous policies. We will continue fighting at every turn.”

Hands Off Our Safety and Freedoms Today, Tomorrow, and Forever 

The people showed up on April 5 to demand better for themselves, their families, communities, environment, and country. But the work doesn’t end there. Only three months into the Musk-Trump Administration, we can anticipate continued attacks on our democracy and the fabric of our society. Our food and water — those most essential resources — and our livable future are at stake. 

Hands Off is more than a single day of action — it’s a wake-up call to those who think they can prioritize corporate greed over people’s needs. 

We all deserve real democracy. Our voices can’t be defeated by corporate money, even if some politicians believe otherwise. It will take us showing up time and time again to demand better. 

When we don’t show up is when the opposition wins. And with people’s lives at risk, we cannot afford to sit by and watch Trump and his cronies tumble our government. When we join in collective action, we see that we are not alone, that others also want a better future. 

We aren’t in this alone. We are the majority, and we can make the necessary changes needed to create a just world for all.