MOUNTAINSIDE, N.J. — Joseph Carter, 25, a recent Rutgers University graduate, spent Friday night making protest signs with friends for the National Day of Action. Carter said he learned about the protest the day before and wanted his “Jersey pride” on full display, following U.S. Sen. Cory Booker’s 25-hour speech earlier this week.
Amid a nationwide wave of “Hands Off!” protests, Carter and other demonstrators gathered Saturday outside the Mountainside Municipal Court on Route 22 to oppose policies enacted by President Donald Trump and Department of Government Efficiency head Elon Musk. The Mountainside rally was one of 26 held across New Jersey.
“This has been my community since I was 10 years old. I want to do everything I can to make it better,” Carter said. “Trump and Musk are what we have to live through now, but I want to be on the right side of history and make noise whenever I can.”
Organized by the local activist group OneNJ7, the protest highlighted concerns over recent federal actions, including the closure of Social Security offices, layoffs of federal workers and perceived threats to democratic institutions. Participants held signs and chanted slogans, urging elected officials to take a stand against the Trump-Musk agenda.
“We’re here to demand transparency and accountability from our elected officials,” said Lisa Martin, a Mountainside resident and OneNJ7 event organizer. “The policies being implemented are affecting our communities directly, and we need our representatives to take a stand.”
In early March, U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr., R-N.J., publicly supported Trump administration policies. After Trump’s March 4 address to Congress, Kean released a statement praising the president’s leadership.
“On the world stage, America is once again leading with strength — freeing hostages, eliminating terrorists and pushing for peace,” Kean said. “And here at home, President Trump is restoring common sense, protecting fairness in women’s sports, safeguarding children and eliminating divisive DEI policies in government.”
“His leadership is delivering real results, and we in the House will continue fighting to keep America strong.”
This is not the stand that Martin wants her elected officials to take.
“I’ve lived through a lot of different administrations,” she said, “but Trump is taking it to the next level, and he — along with representatives like Kean Jr. — will not take us down.”
The “Hands Off!” movement has mobilized citizens nationwide, with more than 1,100 events across all 50 states. The coalition, made up of over 150 grassroots and progressive groups, is protesting what it describes as an “authoritarian power grab” by the administration.
In anticipation of the protest, the Mountainside Police Department issued traffic advisories for New Providence Road and Route 22, ensuring the safety of demonstrators and residents.
As the day concluded, participants expressed a determination to continue their activism.
“This is just the beginning,” Carter said. “We will keep organizing and making our voices heard until meaningful change is achieved.”
Vida Poyner-Chillious is a reporter for HUNewsService.com.
