First Lady Melania Trump postponed the White House spring garden tours by one day due to planned anti-Elon Musk protests on the National Mall. Her office cited safety concerns as the main reason for the schedule change.

Although Melania did not attend the rescheduled tours, she made an appearance at a State Department event later that day. The “Hands Off!” rallies drew large crowds in Washington, D.C.

The protests were organized to oppose both President Trump and Elon Musk, the director of DOGE. Demonstrators voiced their displeasure over the administration’s policies and Musk’s involvement.

The rallies quickly sparked controversy, especially after several Democratic lawmakers made inflammatory and xenophobic remarks about Melania Trump and Elon Musk.

Critics targeted Musk’s South African heritage, using it to question his loyalty and position within the government. Simultaneously, Melania’s citizenship status was unfairly questioned, despite her having become a U.S. citizen in 2006.

These attacks intensified existing political tensions around the Trump administration’s stance on technology and immigration issues. The backlash highlighted divisions within the political landscape.

Supporters of Melania and Musk condemned the xenophobic rhetoric, emphasizing the importance of respecting individuals regardless of their background or nationality.

Overall, the events underscored the complex and often heated nature of political discourse surrounding the Trump administration, especially in relation to high-profile figures like Melania Trump and Elon Musk.