Instead of celebrating the United States’ independence from Great Britain in 1776, approximately 200 people gathered in front of Fresno’s Fashion Fair Mall to protest the Big Beautiful Bill and Donald Trump’s presidency.
The “Free America” protest was a nationwide effort, organized by the Women’s March, and began at 10 a.m. in Fresno on July 4.
“I’m so sick of this president and the Republicans,” said a man protesting, who goes by Scrappy Dan. “They’re just taking over our country.”
The Big Beautiful Bill is currently being signed into law in Washington, D.C., after passing a vote in the House of Representatives on Thursday.
With an estimated $3.3 trillion in federal deficits over the next 10 years and the potential to leave millions without healthcare, according to the Congressional Budget Office, today’s protesters decided to take a stance against the Trump administration.
“I’m out here protesting the Big Beautiful Bill passed because all it’s doing is allowing $170 billion to be funded to ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] so they can deport people based on the color of their skin,” said Protester Christopher Gandy.
Outfitted in red patriotic attire with a U.S. flag top hat on his head and an American flag draped on his back, Scrappy Dan expressed intense emotions toward Trump.
“He’s just so bad,” Scrappy Dan said. “He’s just a cult leader. He’s not a president. He’s just a pure cult leader. I hate that guy with a passion.”
The protest attracted a group of people from Mariposa County. Barbara Cone said that the Big Beautiful Bill’s funding cuts could cause the area’s only hospital to shut down.
Serving the communities of Eastern Madera County and Yosemite National Park, amongst others, Cone said giving up her Independence Day plans was not a difficult decision.
“This bill is going to kill people, and we felt it was really important to give up our plans that we had for the day and head down here to join the people so that we could have our voices heard on behalf of our county,” Cone said.
Other protesters said the goings-on of the political world is very stressful, especially within immigration. Gandy said it’s unfair that the people trying to make a living are being unreasonably targeted.
Gandy feels that people are being wrongfully accused of criminal activity, all because there isn’t a clear path for people to earn their citizenship.
“Just the injustice, I just can’t be silent and not do anything about it,” Gandy said.
Carol, a protester who did not disclose her last name, said she is heartbroken with all of the decisions being made in the White House and that protesting was her only way to stand by democracy.
She said the holiday didn’t feel the same as other years.
“Fourth of July is a wonderful holiday, and today it’s different than any other 4th of July that I’ve experienced in my 70 years,” Carol said.
Shouts and chants of unhappiness rang in the air as protesters fought for democracy on America’s 249th birthday.
“The whole concept of the Fourth of July is that we have no kings, and so we need to be here to fight for the liberty that our nation was born on,” Cone said.
Randy H • Jul 6, 2025 at 12:27 pm
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Happy 4th of July!
What an incredible time to celebrate our nation’s strength and the bright future! The hard-working people of America are thriving, and our country is stronger than ever. The border is now the most secure in history, protecting our communities and ensuring safety for all. Inflation is dropping, easing the burden on families, and gas prices are down nationwide (though California’s still sorting itself out, I wonder why?, hang in there!).
We’re now again proudly energy-independent, fueling opportunity for every American. Unemployment is at historic lows, and the jobs report is soaring, with new opportunities lifting up workers across the country. Tariffs reform and the Art of the Deal mastery are boosting our economy, bringing fairness to trade. Peace is taking root in the Middle East, with tensions easing and Iran’s nuclear ambitions firmly squashed! The EV mandate is gone, giving Americans freedom to choose what’s best for them.
Education is empowering parents with CHOICE, ensuring kids get the future they deserve. DEI policies are fading, replaced by merit and unity. Our military is stronger than ever, with record enlistment and a renewed focus on readiness. Fairness in women’s sports is restored. Drilling and mining are booming, creating jobs and driving prosperity. The border wall is nearly complete, a testament to our commitment to security and safety.
Government waste, fraud, and abuse are being tackled, streamlining Washington to serve the people better, the Big Beautiful Bill just passed, setting the stage for even more progress and again rooting out waste, fraud & abuse! This is exactly what the majority voted for!
Thanks to the amazing folks placing American flags in our Clovis neighborhoods, our pride shines bright. This 4th of July, let’s celebrate the unstoppable spirit of America and the hardworking people making it great. Here’s to a future full of promise and prosperity!