Protesters, union groups rally against local government and Trump administration
COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Organized by a national movement known as 50501, protests against the Trump administration took place in Rock Hill, Greenville, Charleston, Aiken, and at the Statehouse, with around 15 local union and worker organizations taking part as well.
“This administration seems to be bent on trying to attract industry to the state but not recognizing that it’s gonna take workers in the state to make those corporations successful. And then to advertise SC workers as some of the most skilled in the world, but they deserve 23, 24% less than the national average, not to be able to raise the minimum wage in SC? You say you’re pro-business, but what about being pro-people?” asks Kenneth Riley, President of the International Longshoremen’s Association.
In a press release from 50501, the group says it wants to stop the “billionaire takeover and rampant government corruption by the Trump regime.”
“They don’t care about people. They care about profits. They’re in the pocket of billionaires. The coin is always going to win out over the human,” says protester Brianna Gray. “They care about the 1% — they don’t care about us. We’re just pawns to make them money,” says protester Anna McCuen.
Supporters also say they want to see an end to ICE raids on immigrants — as well as attacks on other minorities including transgender, Black, and indigenous people across the state and the country.
“Protesting and showing up and speaking up is the only way to make the change. And the current president is not being the president of everyone. He is being divisive, he is being hateful, and he’s made it very clear that he does not support half of the country,” says protester Margaret Zieche.
Marching from the Statehouse down Main Street to the post office on Assembly Street — attendees are also calling for the protection of Medicaid and Social Security and healthcare and housing for all.
“If you’re eliminating the social safety nets, and jobs are being eliminated by automation, where is the worker to go?” asks Riley.
The 50501 movement began as a grassroots effort, with previously planned rallies across all 50 states.
“We may not have money like the oligarchs, but we do have people. And when people show up, that’s what makes a difference,” says Zieche.
The 50501 Movement says it stands in direct opposition to the “authoritarian assault on American democracy by Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and their billionaire allies.”
According to it’s press release, “In just a few weeks, grassroots organizers— without any budget, centralized structure, or official backing pulled off over hundreds of peaceful protests in all 50 states. April 5th was the Movement’s third National Day of Action and the largest national mobilization since Trump retook office. 50501 is powered by the American people and a volunteer team of organizers.”
