News Summary
The Tri-Cities area, particularly Kingsport, witnessed a large protest titled ‘No Kings Kingsport’ on Flag Day, coinciding with President Trump’s birthday. Organized by local groups, the protest aimed to promote resistance to perceived governmental overreach and to uphold First Amendment rights. With around 1,500 participants, the event remained peaceful and included discussions on various social services issues. A food drive was also held, demonstrating community support amidst broader nationwide discontent.
Kingsport, TN – On June 14, 2025, the Tri-Cities area hosted the “No Kings Day” protest as part of a nationwide mobilization against the Trump administration. This demonstration coincided with Flag Day and President Trump’s birthday, featuring events in cities such as Abingdon and Johnson City, but drawing particular attention in Kingsport.
The Kingsport event, titled “No Kings Kingsport,” was organized by local advocacy groups Indivisible Tri-Cities and 50501. The protest began with a convoy of decorated cars traveling through Jonesborough, Johnson City, and finally gathering in Kingsport with an estimated 1,500 participants. The demonstration projected a message of resistance while emphasizing First Amendment rights.
Participants rallied under slogans like “No Kings” and “The people united will never be divided,” while the atmosphere emphasized a commitment to peaceful protest. Local police reported that the event concluded without any arrests or injuries, reflecting the effective safety measures arranged by the grassroots organizations involved.
Sylvian Bruni, chair of the Washington County Democratic Party, highlighted the primary purpose of the protests as a response to perceived violations of constitutional rights under the current administration. Among the issues raised during the demonstration were proposals seen as detrimental to social services, such as cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), as mentioned in relation to the “Big Beautiful Bill.” The protest aimed to not only voice dissent but also bring attention to issues affecting local residents directly.
Protester and military member Mario Vaiese attended the event to provide his children with an example of a peaceful demonstration, contrasting it with recent violent protests in places like Seattle. In addition to advocating for respectful immigration practices, he emphasized the importance of compliance with legal processes. Meanwhile, businessman Craig Hoge discussed how the protests focused on the negative impact of tax breaks benefiting billionaires, which he argued came at the expense of lower and middle-class citizens.
Additional support came from attendees like Eric Wilson, who, while identifying as leaning conservative, sought to gather diverse opinions on the issues at hand. Dave Burke characterized the ongoing political situation as a “literal fascist takeover,” calling for active resistance to it. The demonstration also expressed solidarity with other movements, such as support for undocumented immigrants and advocacy for the Black Lives Matter movement.
In tandem with the protest, a food drive encouraged attendees to donate non-perishable items, reinforcing the community spirit surrounding the event. The thematic alignment with the nationwide “No Kings Day” protest, which featured participation from around 2,000 cities, illustrates the broad scope of dissatisfaction with the Trump administration, resonating in locations from Kingsport to Kennewick, WA, where approximately 5,000 demonstrators gathered.
The protests coincided with a $45 million military parade in Washington, D.C., adding layers of significance to the demonstrations held across the country. Loren Malone, co-founder of Indivisible Tri-Cities, noted a belief among protesters that various actions taken by President Trump bore resemblance to directives from dictatorial regimes.
As a locally organized expression of democratic values, the “No Kings Day” protest in Kingsport and surrounding areas aimed to amplify the voices of concerned citizens advocating for greater accountability and change within the current political landscape. This event was a microcosm of the larger national sentiment, reflecting a collective plea for adherence to democratic principles and the protection of individual rights.
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Additional Resources
- WJHL: No Kings Protests Begin Across The Tri-Cities
- Wikipedia: No Kings Protest
- NBC Right Now: Police Plan for No Kings Demonstration in Tri-Cities
- Google Search: No Kings Protest
- WCYB: Kingsport Hosts No Kings Protest
- Google Scholar: No Kings Protest
- Supertalk 929: No Kings Day Protests Planned Around Region
- Encyclopedia Britannica: No Kings Protest
- KEPR TV: Thousands Rally in Kennewick for Nationwide No Kings Protest
- Google News: No Kings Protest
