News Summary
In South Carolina, thousands of protesters gathered at the State House to oppose President Trump’s administration on his birthday. The protest coincided with a military parade, highlighting concerns about Trump’s power accumulation. Local residents expressed their apprehensions over federal overreach while advocating for diversity and inclusion policies. Recent polls show a rising disapproval rate among South Carolina voters regarding Trump’s performance. The protests, part of the national ‘No Kings’ movement, reflect a growing student activism aiming to protect democratic values and voice dissent against perceived authoritarianism.
Columbia, South Carolina – Several thousand protesters converged at the South Carolina State House on June 14, 2025, to express opposition to President Donald Trump on his 79th birthday. The protest also coincided with a military parade celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Army, causing a significant turnout of voices concerned about the current administration’s actions. This event was part of a larger nationwide movement dubbed the “No Kings” protests, organized by the group Indivisible, which aims to spotlight various issues affiliated with Trump’s presidency.
Protesters wielded signs with messages such as “Save our Democracy! No Kings!” and “June 14th, Barack Obama Appreciation Day! No Kings,” indicating a clear stance against what they view as an abusive accumulation of power by the presidency. Among them was a local resident who articulated worries over federal overreach, asserting a strong belief that America should not operate as a monarchy.
The protests were characterized by unified themes, with speakers highlighting concerns regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion policies in South Carolina. They underscored a collective effort to counteract what many perceive as injustices propagated by the Trump administration. Numerous attendees from varied age groups and backgrounds participated, emphasizing the significance of exercising their First Amendment rights during this pivotal political moment.
Since Trump took office, Winthrop University has conducted three statewide polls, revealing his approval rating hovering around 45% among South Carolina voters. However, the recent data illustrate an increase in disapproval—moving from 40% in prior months to 45% in May. Additionally, fewer voters reported uncertainty regarding their opinions of Trump, signaling a shift towards more defined stances among the electorate.
Poll data also exposed that a significant portion of South Carolinians, 44%, believe Trump should adhere to court orders in the Abrego Garcia case, while 33% felt he should not comply, with 23% remaining unsure. Regarding economic management, 45% of respondents disapproved of Trump’s performance, contrasting with a 50% approval rating for his immigration policies as reported in the May Winthrop poll.
At the protest event, State Representative Jermaine Johnson addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of policies fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the state. The rally included discussions of personal experiences related to immigration issues, as some individuals articulated fears stemming from ongoing immigration court summons. This reflection contributed to the atmosphere of solidarity among attendees, many of whom sought to make their grievances known regarding Trump’s policies.
While the protests encountered some opposition, with a few counter-protesters escorted away by security, the overall atmosphere remained peaceful. The demonstrations were framed as crucial responses to Trump’s governing style and decisions, spotlighting organized resistance against perceived authoritarian tendencies and advocating for democratic values.
Additional protests occurred across various cities in South Carolina, further representing collective dissatisfaction with the current political climate. These events were coordinated not only by grassroots organizations but also by local Democratic Party members and labor unions, all voicing concerns regarding the implications of Trump’s policies on a range of social issues.
The engagement from diverse groups, as seen during the rallies, speaks to a growing movement, as individuals gather to voice their opposition to the perceived threats against democratic principles posed by the current administration.
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