News Summary
In Beaufort, South Carolina, Attorney General Alan Wilson addressed the local Republican Clubs during a Flag Day celebration. The event coincided with multiple protests against President Trump’s policies, drawing various organizations rallying under the theme “No Kings.” Despite the rain, the celebration took place at the Dataw Island Gazebo, with Wilson sharing experiences from his National Guard service. Protests remained peaceful, although police reported several arrests for regulatory violations. The day highlighted the community’s engagement in civic matters and the contrasting political sentiments present in the area.
Beaufort, South Carolina – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson addressed the Beaufort Republican Women’s and Men’s Clubs during a Flag Day celebration on June 14, 2025, at the Dataw Island Gazebo on St. Helena Island. The event coincided with a nationwide day of peaceful protests, as more than 1,000 demonstrators gathered across Beaufort County to voice their opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies.
In his speech, Wilson, who is serving his fourth term as Attorney General, shared a personal near-miss experience from his 29 years of service in the National Guard, which includes a tour in Iraq. The audience, despite intermittent rain showers, enjoyed a picnic atmosphere as they commemorated the day dedicated to the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official U.S. flag, a practice initiated by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916.
Simultaneously, various organizations, including Lowcountry Indivisible, Liberal Ladies of the Lowcountry, and the Beaufort County Democratic Party, organized protests under the banner “No Kings.” These demonstrations sought to denounce actions by President Trump perceived as anti-democratic and unlawful, especially concerning Immigration and Customs Enforcement policies. Protesters displayed a range of signs such as “Rejecting kings since 1776” and “No human is illegal! Melt ICE!” showcasing their commitment to social justice and immigration reform.
The Beaufort Police Department reported that the protests were peaceful, with estimates of the crowd size varying significantly. While attendees claimed around 1,500 were present, police estimates placed the number at approximately 500. To ensure public safety, an increased police presence was deployed to manage both traffic and the protests.
Throughout the day, three arrests were made for violations of a state statute against full-face coverings in public. Pro-Trump demonstrations had a stark contrast, with only about 30 participants reported during the protests in Hilton Head Island, which also drew around 750 anti-Trump protesters. Additionally, Bluffton’s protests coincided with the town’s Juneteenth Festival, further underscoring the community’s commitment to social justice issues.
Wilson’s presence at the Flag Day event illustrated the complex social and political climate within the state, as celebrations of American ideals occurred amid fervent public dissent against the current administration. The juxtaposition of the Flag Day celebration and the protests served as a reminder of the ongoing national discourse about democracy and governance in the United States.
For those wishing to learn more about the Beaufort Republican Women’s and Men’s Clubs, additional information is available on their website. As both the Attorney General honored the flag and the protesters asserted their rights, this day’s events encapsulated a moment of civic engagement reflective of broader societal debates.
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Additional Resources
- Your Island News: SC AG Wilson Speaks to Beaufort Republican Groups
- Island Packet: Beaufort Political News
- Explore Beaufort SC: Memorial Day Flag Volunteers
- Post and Courier: No Kings Protests across SC
- The State: South Carolina News
- Wikipedia: Flag Day
- Google Search: Beaufort South Carolina protests
- Google Scholar: Politics in South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Democracy
- Google News: Beaufort South Carolina Republican event
