On Saturday afternoon, thousands of Angelenos took to the streets of Downtown Los Angeles in a peaceful yet powerful protest against President Donald Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk. Photographer Suitcase Joe captured the spirit of the demonstration as the crowd gathered at Pershing Square at 4 p.m. The rally was one of many happening across the United States, with cities nationwide rising up in solidarity to challenge the policies of two of the country’s most influential figures.
As the clock neared 5 p.m., the crowd began marching toward City Hall, chanting in protest of the two. Armed with an array of signs, the demonstrators made their personal grievances clear. Many signs boldly called for the protection of immigrants, the preservation of Medicaid and Social Security, and the defense of trans rights as human rights. A recurring theme was the demand for Trump and Musk to “keep their hands off our immigrants,” “stop attacking Medicaid,” and “respect our human rights.”
Some signs, however, took a much more direct and confrontational tone, with many labeling Elon Musk as a “Nazi” and urging people to stop supporting Tesla and his other companies. The protests were charged with a fierce desire to hold both figures accountable for their handling of immigrants, health care, civil rights, and the volatile stock market. Musk’s involvement in a range of issues—from his business practices to his public statements—served as a focal point for much of the ire.