On Independence Day, over 300 Bay Area residents gathered in San Francisco to participate in the ‘Free America’ protests organized by the grassroots group Refuse Fascism. The march, titled ‘Trump Must Go NOW!’, commenced at Mission Dolores Park and ended at the intersection of Stockton Street and Green Street.
The protest stemmed from dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump’s recent passage and signing of House Resolution 1, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This 900-page legislation is the administration’s budget reconciliation bill and has raised concerns among many residents due to proposed tax breaks and spending cuts that would adversely affect millions.
According to U.S. Senator Adam Schiff, D-Calif., the bill would negatively impact low-income families, uninsured individuals, immigrants, and the transgender and LGBTQ+ communities, as well as veterans and others.
In California, the repercussions are particularly severe, with expected cuts to Medicaid potentially leaving over two million individuals without health care. Additionally, nearly five million residents receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or Calfresh, might lose their access to food assistance.
The protesters aimed to refocus attention on empowering the American populace to oppose the negative impacts of the legislation. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that analyzes fiscal issues, estimated that the law will allocate $300 billion towards border and national security enforcement. Consequently, funding for clean energy initiatives would see significant reductions, and there would be adverse effects on federal student loans. At the same time, the legislation proposes tax cuts for the ultra-rich.
David Santos, an organizer from Refuse Fascism’s Northern California chapter, emphasized his commitment to defending marginalized communities during the event. Throughout the march, he stressed the importance of sustained, nonviolent mass protests.
‘We want people to recognize the risks that are involved and to make decisions on their own, on the level of risk that they’re willing to take,’ said Santos, while standing before the bronze statue of Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo at the park, a nod to the leader of the Mexican War of Independence.
Reverend Millie Phillips of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco also spoke at the event, urging attendees to embrace the spirit of generosity and resistance. ‘All major world religions have some version of the golden rule. All call us to share our resources with people in need,’ she stated, advocating for welcoming strangers and combating greed.
In a letter of support for the protest, California State Senator Scott Wiener highlighted the importance of the event, stating, ‘as we commemorate our nation’s birth, let’s recommit to the fight against fascism, against fascist-in-chief Trump, and for our democracy and a better future for everyone.’
For many attendees, immigration issues were a significant concern, often tied to their personal family histories. Drag queen Xochitl shared her perspective, questioning, ‘America, are you awake? Are you finally seeing what I lived my entire life?’ She criticized not only the Trump administration’s deportation policies but also the historical involvement of previous administrations with deportations.
Xochitl recounted her family’s traumatic experiences with labor exploitation, racism, and violence, emphasizing the necessity of continued activism. ‘Are we going to continue to do nothing, or are we going to continue to be in the streets?’ she implored, urging for the abolition of ICE.
Local resident Bruce Neuburger drew parallels between the current political climate and his family’s resistance to fascism during World War II, specifically relating it to the Holocaust. ‘There is no future in humanity in a fascist society,’ Neuburger cautioned, focusing on the slow erosion of civil liberties as a driving force for his activism. ‘We need to build this movement. Whatever it takes. It’s up to us.’
Families also took part in the march, highlighting the importance of intergenerational solidarity in this critical moment in American history. Paola Tello, a local mother, noted the challenging conversations about democracy that young people face today: ‘It’s a scary conversation as teenagers. They don’t really fully comprehend what that means on the line — they have a lot coming their way.’
Joining her was a father identified only as Johnson, who marched alongside his wife and daughter. ‘It’s important to remember that democracy is always fragile,’ he remarked. ‘Your life is fragile. You can’t stop the change, but you might as well have a part in it.’
image source from：localnewsmatters
