Image Credit: NoKings.org
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
The 250th birthday of the United States Army, President Trump’s 79th birthday, and Flag Day all fall on Saturday, June 14 this year, and though a patriotic military parade is planned to celebrate the Army in Washington D.C., leftist activists are attempting to hijack the day with demonstrations in hundreds of cities across America, not just in protest against Trump, but as a continued show of anti-ICE sentiments amongst those on the left.
Billed as “No Kings Day”, the events call people to a “nationwide day of defiance”, claiming the Trump administration has, “defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, and slashed our services. The corruption has gone too. Far. No thrones. No crowns. No kings,” per the organization’s website.
The site also includes an interactive map where users can locate any of the approximately 1,500 scheduled demonstrations and has registrations for upcoming calls and trainings like one for attendee pre-protest preparations and a post-event “what’s next in the fight” call.
24 of these protests are scheduled to take place throughout Tennessee including in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Clarksville. And while the organizers state the events are committed to “nonviolent action,” some Tennessee communities are making preemptive preparations.
In Nashville, MNPD officers will be on-site at the Bicentennial Mall for the protest along with Tennessee Park Rangers, and MNPD has placed a mobile surveillance unit at each end of the mall.
Over in Gallatin, police are also planning to be on-site with the assistance of the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office.
The Johnson City Police Department released a statement in preparation for the weekend’s gatherings reiterating that while the department, “respects and upholds the right of individuals to engage in peaceful assemblies,” it reminds the public, “that temporary structures and amplified sound require proper permitting, sidewalks must remain accessible for pedestrians, and traffic flow cannot be obstructed. Additionally, participants must comply with all traffic signals when crossing intersections. As always, the mission of the Johnson City Police Department is to protect the safety, rights, and freedoms of all individuals in our community. That commitment guides our approach each and every day.”
Another local department stated, “The Kingsport Police Department is dedicated to protecting the constitutional rights of all citizens, which includes the rights of free speech and public assembly. We have reached out to individuals coordinating the protest and have an understanding of their plans and intent. There are no plans for police presence at the protest, but the department will address any matters should the need arise.”
A full page ad in the New York Times encouraging Americans to “mobilize” for the No Kings protests was discovered to be paid for by Wal-Mart heiress Christy Walton who, according to investigative journalist Laura Loomer, ironically has multiple properties and projects in Mexico.
Though she has no active role in Wal-Mart’s operations, Walton reportedly retains 1.9% stake in the company with an estimated net worth of $19.3 billion.
In response to Walton’s ad #BoycottWalmart began trending on social media, leading Walmart to release a statement distancing itself from her rhetoric.
Fearing a MAGA-led boycott on par with the treatment of Bud Light in 2023, the company wrote, “We condemn violence, including when it’s directed towards law enforcement, and the damaging of property. As a company with associates and customers in the Los Angeles region, we remain focused on their safety and that of impacted associates. The advertisements from Christy Walton are in no way connected to or endorsed by Walmart. She does not serve on the board or play any role in decision making at Walmart.”
The planned protests have not detracted from President Trump’s enthusiasm for “celebrating big” on Saturday and he has warned that any who plan to disrupt the proceedings will be met with “very heavy force.”
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
