CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Thousands of people gathered in Charlotte Saturday for a rally opposing policies of the Trump administration, including massive funding cuts for federal programs. 

The “Hands Off!” rally took place at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Social Services Department and was part of a nationwide day of action with more than 1,000 similar rallies happening across the country.

Organizers described the event as a stand against what they called a “billionaire takeover” of the government. It comes as the Trump administration continues to empower billionaire X owner Elon Musk and his DOGE department to slash federal jobs and funding.

The Charlotte protest, organized by Indivisible Charlotte and other groups, goes from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m as participants marched down Randolph Road to the Mint Museum Randolph and back.

Local residents shared personal stories about how recent government cuts have hurt them. The march route was chosen to highlight concerns about cuts to arts, medical services and social programs, Indivisible Charlotte said.

Attendees were also encouraged to bring non-perishable food or diapers to donate to Nourish Up, a local hunger relief organization.

Organizers hope this will be the largest single day of coordinated protest action since Donald Trump’s inauguration in January.