06/15/2025
No Kings Protest in Johnson City: A Stand Against Authoritarianism
On June 14, 2025, Johnson City, Tennessee, joined a nationwide wave of No Kings protests—demonstrations opposing what organizers describe as authoritarian tendencies within the Trump administration. Timed to coincide with Flag Day, the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, and Donald Trump’s birthday—marked by a military parade in Washington, D.C.—the protest amplified concerns about civil rights, government overreach, and economic inequality.
Led by progressive activist groups such as Indivisible and 50501, the No Kings movement seeks to highlight these pressing issues. Protesters argue that the administration has defied court rulings, suppressed free speech, deported American citizens, and cut social services, all while enriching the wealthy elite. Their message, summed up in the slogan “No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings.”, reflects their resistance to what they see as creeping authoritarianism.
Johnson City’s protest began with a 9:30 a.m. convoy stop at Founders Park, where participants gathered before heading to Kingsport. As part of a broader Tri-Cities mobilization—including demonstrations in Kingsport and Abingdon—organizers prioritized peaceful assembly, ensuring that traffic and pedestrian access remained unobstructed.
Protesters carried signs addressing a range of issues, from immigration rights to economic inequality and government accountability. For some attendees, the event represented a vital stand against what they view as a fascist takeover, drawing historical parallels to past authoritarian regimes.
With more than 20 protests scheduled across Tennessee, the No Kings movement continues to advocate for constitutional rights, democratic values, and social justice. As political tensions escalate, demonstrations like this serve as reminders of the enduring power of civic engagement and public dissent.