News Summary
On Saturday, protesters gathered in Greenwood, SC as part of the nationwide ‘No Kings’ demonstrations against the Trump administration. Coinciding with Trump’s birthday, the protests focused on issues such as immigration policies, government corruption, and civil rights violations. Participants voiced their dissatisfaction with federal spending priorities, particularly regarding a military parade. Tensions escalated in nearby Charlotte, leading to clashes with police, highlighting a growing discontent with the current administration and calls for civic engagement across the nation.
Greenwood, SC
Dozens of protesters gathered on Main Street near Uptown Greenwood on Saturday as part of the nationwide “No Kings” protests against the Trump administration. These protests coincided with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and a military parade in Washington, D.C., celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.
The “No Kings” movement aims to address a range of criticisms directed at the Trump administration. Protesters accused the government of defying court rulings, deporting American citizens, and undermining civil rights. Many demonstrators expressed a belief that corruption in the current administration has reached unprecedented levels.
Throughout the protest, individuals held up signs demanding changes from the federal government. Concerns over immigration policies were prevalent among protesters, with some specifically criticizing the so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill” for its potential negative impact on the economy. Other participants expressed outrage over a recent incident involving U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, who was handcuffed after attempting to ask a question at a press conference.
A number of protesters voiced their dissatisfaction with the government’s treatment of immigrants, particularly regarding actions taken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). There was significant frustration over the allocation of federal funds, as some questioned the decision to spend $45 million on the military parade instead of directing those resources towards national parks and social services.
Participants articulated their belief that President Trump’s actions threaten the powers of Congress and compromise the principle of checks and balances in the government. The protest was fueled by a broader sentiment against authoritarian governance, with many deeming the “No Kings” protest as a vital stand against perceived injustices.
In Charlotte, thousands of individuals joined in the demonstrations, beginning at First Ward Park and marching through the city. This gathering resulted in temporary road closures and necessitated a police presence to maintain order and safety during the event. Law enforcement agencies were aware of the planned protests and took proactive measures to uphold the participants’ First Amendment rights.
Events were organized in other North Carolina cities as well, with approximately 60 demonstrations scheduled throughout the state. In Charlotte, as the protest drew to a close, a smaller group of around 200 people engaged in further marches that eventually led to clashes with police. Two individuals were arrested as tensions escalated.
During the confrontations, police employed OC spray on some protesters who had become aggressive towards law enforcement, resulting in non-life-threatening injuries among several demonstrators. Additionally, emergency medical services responded to multiple heat-related incidents during the protests, highlighting the challenges faced by participants on a warm day.
Social media buzzed with discussions surrounding the protests, as coverage and images were shared across various platforms, especially focusing on the events in the Charlotte area. Both supporters and critics engaged in conversations about the implications of the protests, the policies of the Trump administration, and the future of American democracy.
The “No Kings” protests not only underscored a growing discontent with the current administration but also reflected a broader call for civic engagement and action among citizens across the nation.
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Additional Resources
- WBTV: No Kings Protests Against Trump Happening Around Charlotte
- Wikipedia: Protests in the United States
- Charlotte Observer: No Kings March and Rally Underway in Charlotte
- Google Search: No Kings protests
- QC News: No Kings March and Rally Underway in Charlotte
- Google Scholar: No Kings movement
- WCNC: No Kings Anti-Trump Protests Planned in Charlotte, North Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Protests
- WSOC TV: No Kings Crowds Gather Across Charlotte Area
- Google News: Trump protests
Author: HERE Greenwood
The HERE Greenwood Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenwood community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenwood Our team includes lifelong Greenwood residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent listing of the historic Grier Building, Greenwood’s railroad and textile heritage, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Piedmont Technical College programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
