Hundreds of “Free America” demonstrations against President Donald Trump and his administration are planned nationwide on July 4.
The protests are being organized by the same group behind the Women’s March, with the stated goal being to “Free America from the grip of hate and the politics of fear.” They are taking the form of various community gatherings, including block parties, banner drops, barbecues, and dance events.
Nichole Geibel, a ‘Free America’ protest organizer in Ohio, and Co-Chair of the North Ridgeville Democrats, told Newsweek: “The motivation behind this event is the growing frustration so many Americans have with the policies at the federal and state levels that infringe on our fundamental rights and take choice away from all of us and our communities. We believe that freedom of speech, personal autonomy and accountability in government are always important and always need to be fought for.”
Newsweek has reached out to the White House for comment via email.
Why It Matters
These protests come only a few weeks after the “No Kings” nationwide demonstrations, which were the largest anti-Trump gathering since his inauguration in January. The demonstrations also come just one day after Trump’s sprawling tax and spending bill, known as the “Big Beautiful Bill”, was passed by the House of Representatives
What To Know
The “Free America” organizers are calling attention to several aspects of the Trump administration, including the growing wealth disparity in America and mass layoffs enacted across the federal government.
Geibel told Newsweek: “We want our elected officials to see that we’re paying attention. We want them to know that their constituents understand that freedom and individual rights are being stripped away from all of us, and we expect them to represent us and our rights. Our hope is they’ll listen more, restrict less, remember who they work for and remember that America is not a fascist nation.”
There are currently 264 “Free America” protests planned across Republican and Democratic states, including Florida, Texas, Ohio, Tennessee, New Hampshire, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and North Carolina.
The protests have grown since June 30, when 170 demonstrations were listed on the organization’s site. The number of protests is still a great deal smaller than the roughly 1,800 “No Kings” protests that took place on June 14.
Organizers say the language of “freedom” reflects the symbolism of the July 4 holiday, which commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Speaking to how protests have grown in size throughout the first months of the Trump administration, Geibel said: “We have been protesting weekly [in Lorain County, Ohio] since March. Our protest group has grown exponentially since March and our local democratic community meetings have seen an increase in attendance this year also. The people in Lorain County Ohio are not giving up on the fight for democracy.”
What People Are Saying
Nichole Geibel, a ‘Free America’ protest organizer in Ohio told Newsweek: “We hope people feel less alone and more connected with others who want to take peaceful, meaningful action. It’s about showing up, using our voices, and reminding ourselves that democracy only works when everyday people participate and stand up for what they believe in. As Rep. John Lewis once said ‘Never be afraid to make some noise and get into good trouble, necessary trouble.’ We want people to leave feeling empowered and not be afraid to speak up for themselves and for this country.”
Stephen Miller, White House Deputy Chief of Staff, posted on X in response to Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill passing the House before July 4: “The most incredible opening 6 months to an American presidency in history.”
What Happens Next
The demonstrations are planned nationwide for July 4.
The post ‘Free America’ Anti-Trump Protests Expand Across Nation For 4th of July appeared first on Newsweek.
