Protest Infrastructure Revealed Behind Recent Rallies
ST. Paul, Minnesota – In late March, during a series of anti-Trump rallies named “No Kings,” demonstrators took to the streets across the country, including at the Minnesota State Capitol. These protests, covered by various media outlets, highlighted a coordinated push against the former president.
However, an investigation by Fox News Digital uncovered that around nine vendors were compensated nearly $250,000 to create an extensive protest setup for the main event in St. Paul. Roger Fisk, who previously served in the Obama and Biden administrations, was noted as a key figure in orchestrating this event, referring to himself as a “senior advisor” to the #NoKings project, which also tailored other protests last year.
The logistics of this particular protest were impressive: roughly 30 semi-trucks brought concert-quality gear, including a large mobile stage, heavy-duty cables for power, numerous portable restrooms, folding chairs, and eight large screens. VIP guests, including celebrities like Bruce Springsteen and Jane Fonda, ensured that the event had significant star power.
Interestingly, the complexities involved in setting up such a demonstration resemble those of an outdoor concert more than a grassroots movement, indicating a shift in how modern protests are organized. This investigation sheds light on the intricate infrastructure and funding that often support contemporary protests, aspects that organizers seldom disclose.
Major Support for Protests
Approximately 500 groups, collectively amassing about $3 billion in annual revenue, were reported to back the #NOKINGS protests. These included well-known Democratic nonprofits like Indivisible, MoveOn, and the ACLU, all of which have received significant financial contributions from wealthy benefactors over time.
Further complicating matters, some affiliations with the protests involve pro-communist organizations such as the People’s Forum and Code Pink, which appear to align their messaging with that of the Chinese Communist Party. At the protests, paraphernalia reflecting anti-American sentiments—such as flags of Iran and Venezuela—were also visible. Yet, attempts to reach the financier for these groups have gone unanswered.
It was suggested that Indivisible covered a majority of the expenses for the St. Paul protest.
Nancy Snow, an expert in propaganda, has emphasized the importance of tracing financial contributions in political communications, including protests. “Following the money doesn’t dismiss the real grievances of those who join the demonstrations,” she pointed out. “Both can coexist.” This nuanced perspective reflects the complexity of motivations behind protests.
As preparations for the protest continued, trucks filled with gear began arriving at the Capitol hours before attendees. It’s telling, really—while protesters criticized the U.S. government as “fascist,” the behind-the-scenes activities depicted a starkly organized operation.
Unveiling Leadership and Organization
The No Kings Coalition claims a lack of centralized leadership, yet internal documents tell a different story. Matt Svobodny, a production manager involved in the protests, mentioned the need for professional execution. “You can’t just have good intentions without proper planning,” he stated, highlighting the need for experienced personnel to ensure safety.
Details emerged that crews worked diligently from early morning until late at night, setting up systems that included sound equipment, lighting, and screens that allowed attendees far from the stage to witness the event. Their setup closely mimicked that of a music festival.
The permit records indicate that the No Kings Coalition and Indivisible Twin Cities were the event’s sponsors, with documented revenue figures suggesting significant financial capacity within these groups.
- Slam Hammer Sound handled the main logistics, managing costs around $100,000, including the stage, sound, and lighting.
- Fire Up Video contributed screens at a cost of about $20,000.
- Another Minnesota-based company supplied additional screens, taking the costs to around $25,000.
- Common World Productions put up two jumbo screens for about $10,000.
- Local traffic safety companies supported crowd control efforts at a cost of $15,000.
- Generators and electrical setups were provided for $15,000.
- Ultimate Events assisted with tents and seating for a total of around $30,000.
- On-site companies supplied approximately 300 portable restrooms at a projected cost of $25,000.
- High-speed internet connections were established for another $10,000.
Altogether, the logistics for the event racked up an estimated total of $250,000.
Fisk, who had past ties to high-profile presidential events, remarked on the strategic presentation designed to capture media attention. The goal was to gain “earned media,” a term used to describe publicity garnered without direct payment. He noted a significant reach of 250 million impressions following the event, underscoring the strategic importance of media coverage.
In reflecting on the complexities of such large-scale protests, Snow advocated for transparency, suggesting that groups should openly discuss the effort that goes into staging such events. Sjabodny expressed his feelings that the behind-the-scenes work should remain unnoticed to maximize the protest’s effectiveness. “In a way, our goal is to go unnoticed,” he said.
