This July 4, many Americans are choosing protest over celebration, taking to the streets to demonstrate against President Donald Trump. These protests are the latest in a wave of resistance since Trump began his second term in office.

Tensions escalated on June 14, when Trump presided over a grand military parade in Washington, D.C., and warned that protesters would be “met with big force.” He described the demonstrators as “people that hate our country,” fueling further backlash from activist groups.

In response, “No Kings” protests were launched nationwide to criticize what many see as growing authoritarianism under Trump’s leadership. These demonstrations aim to reclaim Independence Day as a moment for civil resistance rather than patriotic spectacle.

A major point of contention has been Trump’s hardline immigration policies. In Los Angeles, protests erupted after controversial ICE raids and the deployment of the National Guard and later the Marines—actions that were challenged by California Governor Gavin Newsom but ultimately upheld by an appeals court.

Anti-Trump sentiment has also gone global. In April, protests in cities like London, Paris, and Stockholm targeted both Trump and Elon Musk, who briefly served as head of the Department of Government Efficiency before a public fallout with the president.

For this Independence Day, groups like the Women’s March are organizing over 140 events under the theme “Free America Weekend.” These gatherings aim to address issues like poverty, authoritarianism, and fear-based governance, promoting a collective vision of real freedom.

The revived “No Kings 2.0” movement plans demonstrations in states such as Wisconsin, Louisiana, and Wyoming. These events emphasize solidarity with immigrants and nonviolent opposition to ICE raids and militarized immigration enforcement.

In Florida, protesters will gather near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, with the return of the iconic “Baby Trump” balloon. Meanwhile, The People’s Union USA is promoting a stay-at-home boycott of July 4 festivities, urging Americans to reject corporate celebrations and reflect on what true freedom means in today’s America.