KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — People across East Tennessee and the nation turned out in droves on Saturday to protest a slew of recent actions taken by the Trump administration.
Hundreds lined Western Avenue and Summit Hill Drive in Knoxville in protest of cuts to federal funding and staff, the implementation of widespread tariffs, and Elon Musk’s influence on government through his Department of Government Efficiency.
HHS staff cuts jeopardize program that helps Knox County seniors pay utilities
Picketers were seen in downtown Chattanooga while WJHL reported demonstrations in Johnson City, Kingsport, Greeneville, and Morristown. 6 News also received images of protesters outside the Blount County Courthouse in Maryville.
-
Protesters in downtown Knoxville on Saturday, April 5 as part of the nationwide ‘Hands Off!’ demonstrations
-
Protesters in downtown Knoxville on Saturday, April 5 as part of the nationwide ‘Hands Off!’ demonstrations
-
Protesters outside the Blount County Courthouse in Maryville, TN on April 5, 2025 as part of the nationwide ‘Hands off!’ demonstrations. Credit: Janette Kennedy
-
Protesters outside the Blount County Courthouse in Maryville, TN on April 5, 2025 as part of the nationwide ‘Hands off!’ demonstrations. Credit: Janette Kennedy
-
“Hands Off!” demonstrators in Kingsport, Tennessee on April 5, 2025. Credit: Jessie Bellamy
-
“Hands Off!” demonstrators in Kingsport, Tennessee on April 5, 2025. Credit: Jessie Bellamy
End of USDA funding for fresh local produce hits Grainger County Schools
According to the Associated Press, the so-called “Hands Off!” demonstrations took place in more than 1,200 locations in all 50 states. The protests were organized by over 150 groups including civil rights organizations, labor unions, LBGTQ+ advocates, veterans and elections activists.
“President Trump’s position is clear: He will always protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries,” the White House said in a statement responding to the protests. “Meanwhile, the Democrats’ stance is giving Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare benefits to illegal aliens, which will bankrupt these programs and crush American seniors.”
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
