Demonstrators voice opposition to U.S. President's aggressive policies in a gathering reminiscent of international protests.
On April 5, 2025, a gathering of American expatriates took place in Nice, France, where approximately one hundred individuals voiced their opposition to the policies of U.S. President
Donald Trump.
This demonstration was organized by Democrats Abroad, a group representing American citizens living outside the United States.
The protest was held near a replica of the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom that resonated with the participants' aims.
The rally featured the chant "Hands off!", aimed not only at President Trump but also at business magnate
Elon Musk.
Participants expressed their concerns over a variety of issues including tariffs, human rights, data privacy, and international partnerships.
Prominent among the demonstrators were Paul and Gayle, who now reside in Lorgues.
They articulated their fears regarding the future of democracy in the United States, stating, "Our democracy is threatened.
We want to defend freedom and partnership with France.
These tariffs are terrible, unnecessary, and embarrassing.
It’s self-inflicted chaos!".
Another protester, known as Doc, characterized
Donald Trump as a "convicted felon" who tests the limits of the U.S. Constitution while prioritizing interests detrimental to democracy.
He specifically criticized the administration for its focus on issues outside of pressing international matters, stating, "He should care about Ukraine instead of focusing on Canada."
Catherine, aged 56, and Stéphanie, aged 47, who both live in Nice, echoed sentiments of ongoing chaos under the current administration.
They expressed a belief that conditions continue to worsen, urging for a change in direction.
The movement designated as "Hands off" aims to communicate a collective sentiment of shame and anger toward Trump's policies.
Organizer Ruth Ann Lake emphasized the necessity of making it clear that there exists significant resistance to the President’s actions.
Gayle, who has adopted the Var region as her home, noted the demonstrators' desire to take inspiration from the French tradition of protest, stating, "Today, I feel very French!".
This protest in Nice was part of a wider pattern of demonstrations, with similar events occurring in cities such as Toulouse, Lyon, Paris, and Washington, D.C., underscoring a growing movement among Americans abroad to express dissent against the current U.S. administration.