Thousands of people gathered peacefully throughout East Tennessee on Saturday to protest numerous policies President Donald Trump has enacted since taking office in January which have touched nearly every aspect of American life, from immigration to the economy.
Organized by the 5051 movement, protests were held in Knoxville, Maryville, Oak Ridge, Sevierville, Morristown and Johnson City along with hundreds of other cities across the United States as part of “No Kings Day.” The demonstrations were intended to levy criticism at Trump on his birthday while also drawing attention away from a large military parade in D.C. which is scheduled for Saturday evening.
In Downtown Knoxville, thousands jostled to find places to stand on sidewalks at the intersection of Broadway, Henley Street, Western Avenue and Summit Hill Drive. Many held signs deriding Trump as a “king,” and lamenting the loss of democracy. As people chanted, cars drove by honking and waving in signs of support.
Mark Coletti, a resident of Knoxville, said Saturday’s protests were all about making noise. That’s why he brought his bagpipes, which he’s been playing for over 40 years.
As others yelled slogans and banged drums, Coletti played a classic Irish military tune, “The Pikeman’s March.” People cheered and clapped along.
“I feel that our country is in trouble,” Coletti said. “And it’s good to come out and exercise my constitutional right to assemble and voice my opinion about the government. It's also a little bit of therapy. Because it’s good to be out here with a group of like-minded people … to know that I’m not alone, it’s not just me, there are a lot of people that think like me, that support this country.”
Further down the street, near the lawn of the Lincoln Memorial University School of Law, Keith Richardson held a sign saying, “I’m a veteran, not a sucker or loser,” referencing President Donald Trump’s private comments reported by The Atlantic in 2020. Richardson served in the Army’s 67th Signal Battalion from 1970 to 1971, during the Vietnam War.
“I’m embarrassed that our country has the person as president that we have right now, someone who has no respect for the military,” he said. “I served while [Trump] dodged the draft. He called veterans suckers and losers. And he’s now today trying to have a march to adore him in D.C. And that’s a despicable use of our funds and his time.”
Trump’s 79th birthday happens to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. Because of this, he has received criticism nationwide for scheduling the parade, with many referring to it as his birthday celebration. The parade is expected to cost taxpayers up to $45 million. Richardson said he believes that money should be spent on veterans.
“They’re trying to cut out the VASH program, which is designed specifically for veterans who are homeless,” he said. “They’re trying to cut HUD funds by about 40%. And that’s unbelievable. All so the rich people can get their tax break. I might get a little bit of a tax break, but it’s not worth it.”
In Knoxville, people began gathering around noon before peacefully dispersing at around 2:00 p.m. It’s the second large-scale protest aimed at Trump Knoxville has seen in as many months, following a rally held in April as part of the nationwide “Hands Off” protests organized by national activist group Indivisible.
