This July 4, a number of Americans are opting out of barbecues and taking to the streets, not in celebration of Independence Day, but to protest against President Donald Trump.
These protests represent the latest surge of activism from the left since Trump resumed his presidency for a second term. On June 14, while Trump conducted a large-scale national military parade in Washington, D.C., left-wing activists initiated what they termed “No Kings” protests nationwide to “reject authoritarianism.”
Prior to the parade, Trump cautioned that “individuals wishing to protest will face significant force,” labeling them as “people who hate our country,” as reported by Time Magazine.
In addition to the “No Kings” activism, protests regarding immigration erupted across the nation in response to ICE raids mandated by the Trump Administration. These demonstrations began in Los Angeles and garnered national and international attention after Trump deployed the National Guard and subsequently the Marines, despite California Governor Gavin Newsom not requesting assistance. This action provoked backlash and a legal dispute, but an appeals court ultimately determined that Trump could retain control of the National Guard in Los Angeles.
In April, individuals also convened in cities throughout the U.S. and globally, including London, Paris, and Stockholm, to protest against Trump and his then associate, Elon Musk, who was at that time heading the Department of Government Efficiency. The two have since experienced a very public falling out.
Currently, another series of protests is being planned for July 4.
The Women’s March, an organization that coordinates demonstrations against what it identifies as sexism and oppression, has released a list of over 140 events scheduled for Independence Day. These events include marches, rallies, and block parties. The organization is urging individuals to arrange even more activities.
According to the Women’s March, the Free America Weekend aims to bring attention to issues such as poverty, unlawful orders, and “the grip of hate and the politics of fear.”
“This July 4th, as the United States celebrates Independence Day, we will gather nationwide, on porches, in town squares, backyards, and streets, to advocate for genuine freedom and construct a vision of a Free America, brick by brick,” the organization stated in a public call to action.
“They seek to instill fear, division, and isolation among us. They do not want us to envision freedom. However, that is precisely what we must pursue,” the organization expressed.
Following the extensive “No Kings” protests in June, the group is now organizing what it refers to as “No Kings 2.0,” with events planned in Wisconsin, Louisiana, Wyoming, and at least ten additional states.
While the initial protests concentrated on the concept of “authoritarianism,” the upcoming events will focus on immigration and ICE raids. The event page for the Green Bay rally states that the objective is to promote “community, justice [in] solidarity with our immigrant neighbors.” Reports indicate that ICE arrests during Trump’s second term have exceeded 100,000.
Organizers in both Louisiana and Wyoming have stressed that the protests will be peaceful.
In Florida, activists are preparing a demonstration near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach.
That same balloon was utilized in 2020 on Juneteenth during a protest against racial injustice following the death of George Floyd.
“We are meant to be celebrating America’s independence, and I felt a moral obligation to rise up and proclaim our independence from Trump-ism,” activist Mark Offerman shared with the Palm Beach Daily News.
Simultaneously, an organization known as The People’s Union USA is advocating for a stay-at-home demonstration. They are encouraging individuals to forgo parades and fireworks, boycott major corporations, and invest their finances in local communities instead.
Additionally, the group coordinated the “Economic Blackout” event in February. Founder John Schwarz asserts that this protest on Independence Day holds even greater significance.
“Do not wave a flag for a nation that no longer waves it for you,” he stated in a video. “The 4th of July is intended to be a celebration of freedom, but what freedom are we genuinely discussing?”