Protesters gather in Charlotte as Trump prepares to sign “big, beautiful bill”

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A group of demonstrators gathered in uptown Charlotte on Friday afternoon as part of nationwide protests against the Trump administration’s policies, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s expected signing of what he calls his “Big Beautiful Bill.”

It achieves many of the administration’s priorities, such as $350 billion in national security, and most notably, an extension of Trump’s tax breaks, totaling $4.5 trillion. That includes allowing workers to deduct tips and overtime earnings from their taxes, as well as some tax breaks for seniors. 

However, it draws criticism from protesters who worry about impacts on healthcare and education, especially here in the Carolinas. Charlotte’s demonstration was one of more than 150 held across the country, including seven throughout the Carolinas, as part of the Women’s March “Free America” movement.

“I think there’s a lot of confusion about how to rise up to meet the occasion of the basic structures of our country being like taken apart, and people don’t know where they fit in,” organizer Lisa Ann Markuson said. “They don’t know how to find unity.”

Markuson led the Charlotte sit-in. She referred to it as a “dream-in,” hoping people would use it as an opportunity to look forward.

Megan Hill, who teaches at a Charlotte elementary school, expressed particular concern about education impacts, saying the federal legislation compounds existing state-level challenges.

“There’s many reasons that I’ve almost left the education system, including what’s happening right now in our legislature,” Hill said. She cited proposed restrictions to diversity, equity and inclusion programs as additional concerns.

Republicans have promoted the bill as bringing tax cuts and economic growth nationwide. 

House Speaker Mike Johnson said in remarks that lawmakers “did not want to waste that opportunity because we understand the history that comes along with it the opportunity that we can do for the country.”

But protesters like Elizabeth Albritton disagree, expressing concerns about potential healthcare cuts affecting families like hers.

“I work my hardest; I do what I can, but we need those systems in place,” Albritton said. “We can’t lose health care for millions of people.”

Albritton’s children rely on Medicaid. Her son depends on the program for his asthma medication.

“What’s he going to do if they say we can’t pay for his medicine anymore? What’s going to happen if he has an attack?” Albritton asked.

Despite being unable to stop the legislation, protesters said they remained determined to influence future policy.

“I’m not protesting against,” Markuson said. “I’m manifesting for.”

Contact Julie Kay at juliekay@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.