Elon Musk and protest banner side-by-side© Getty

Tech billionaire Elon Musk dismissed the wave of “Hands Off!” protests held across the U.S. on Sunday, accusing demonstrators of being manipulated by unseen political operatives. It comes as Trump suffers a shocking mental collapse after a ‘senile’ moment on stage in the middle of a speech.

“The problem is the puppet masters, not the puppets, as the latter have no idea why they are even there,” Musk posted on X, formerly Twitter, in his first public comment since hundreds of thousands took part in coordinated rallies targeting both Musk and former President Donald Trump. It comes as insiders explain Trump’s sinister reason for his loyalty to Musk.

The protests, which unfolded in all 50 states and major cities including Washington, D.C., and San Francisco, were billed by organizers as a stand against government overreach and billionaire influence on democracy. Musk and Trump were directly named in chants and signs throughout the day. Meanwhile, Trump flaunted drastic weight loss but alarming theories have emerged about his health.

Jackie, thank you.

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Thousands gather for ‘hands off’ protest against Trump, Musk

In a reposted video shared by conservative account @WallStreetApes, conservative commentator Laura Loomer alleged that demonstrators were “paid protesters,” pointing to footage of individuals receiving pre-printed signs and being bused to locations. Musk’s quote post appeared to endorse that claim.

If you cannot view this video, please click here.

He reposted another video and picture thread asserting that the demonstrations were staged and the D.C. protestors were paid to create an appearance of defiance. The caption read: “The anti-Elon, anti-DOGE, anti-Trump protests in D.C.? They aren’t grassroots. They are payroll-driven theater.”

Critics blasted Musk’s response as dismissive of genuine grassroots frustrations, while supporters echoed his sentiment, accusing progressive groups of astroturfing dissent.

Nearly 200 groups organized “Hands Off” protests in more than 1,000 locations across the U.S. and around the globe Saturday, marking the largest day of collective action since Trump was inaugurated for a second time.

“The protests aimed to put a stop to the most brazen power grab in modern history,” organizers said. Millions – from Los Angeles to London – marched to advocate for civil rights, healthcare, democracy, workers’ rights and LGBTQ+ rights that have been under “assault” by the Trump administration and GOP Congress members, they added.

Since Musk’s joint government takeover with Trump, citizens have unleashed their fury on him by vandalizing Tesla storefronts and vehicles. Tesla has recently faced protests and vandalism in the US and abroad.

His Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, has been implementing significant reductions in the federal government through layoffs, contract cancellations, and other measures.

Activists have organized nationwide protests against either Trump or Musk several times since the new administration came into power. However, the opposition movement has yet to gain a mass mobilization comparable to the Women’s March in 2017, following Trump’s first inauguration, or the Black Lives Matter protests that broke out in various cities after George Floyd died in 2020.