Across Tennessee, No Kings protesters push back on Trump administration policies

Thousands in Nashville protested Trump administration policies Saturday as part of a national “No Kings” day of protest, the second such event since President Donald Trump took office in January. (Photo: Anita Wadhwani/Tennessee Lookout)

Thousands of Tennessee are rallying, marching and protesting  Trump administration policies in more than 33 Tennessee towns and cities representing all three of the states grand division, including Memphis, where National Guard troops and agents from a federal task force are occupying to the city.

The events were part of a national “No Kings” day of protest, the second one since President Donald Trump took office in January. A coalition of progressive and labor groups organizing the national day of action say the demonstrations are in response to “the increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption of the Trump administration, which they have doubled down on since June.”

Grandson of immigrants worries about economy, due process

Mike Ondek of Nashville wore an inflatable chicken suit to attend the capital city’s protest, held on the grounds of the Tennessee Capitol. His parents immigrated to the U.S. from Slovakia and he said he’s concerned about the Trump administration’s immigration policies, deployment of National Guard troops to U.S. cities and a lack of due process for those being deported.

But the economy is also on his mind.

“I don’t like what’s going on and I’m supposed to be retiring this year and I have no idea what’s going on with Medicaid, the economy,” Ondek said. “I lost so much last time the economy tanked with my 401(k) and built it back up but there’s so much uncertainty.