Republican Speaker Dismisses Anti-Trump Protests

On Sunday’s “This Week,” Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson characterized Saturday’s “No Kings” protests as a mere “stunt,” suggesting it reinforced the idea that President Donald Trump isn’t akin to a king.

Across the United States, numerous anti-Trump protests took place, including one where notable Trump critic George Conway sported a T-shirt claiming affiliation with Antifa. In a conversation on Fox News Sunday, host Jonathan Karl probed Johnson about his earlier remarks, labeling the rally as a “Hate America” event.

Previously, on “Fox & Friends,” Johnson had predicted that the gathering would showcase people supporting Hamas and Antifa sentiments.

Karl asked, “You described these rallies as ‘Hate America’ rallies. What did you mean by that?”

Johnson replied, noting, “The individuals I’ve mentioned were part of it, and I commend them for rejecting violence while exercising their free speech. The irony in all of this is quite apparent.” He further explained, “If Trump were truly a king, the government would be operating without interruption. We wouldn’t have the freedom to assemble in the Mall—something Trump hasn’t shut down. The last significant shutdown in 2013 saw President Obama close the National Mall, preventing people from expressing their views. They needed this display.”

The federal government has been partially shut down since October 1, after the Senate couldn’t secure enough votes to pass a continuing resolution. The House had, earlier, approved a short-term funding measure on September 19.

On September 17, Trump declared Antifa a domestic terrorist organization via a post on Truth Social, shortly after the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk during an event in Utah.

Recent riots at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities in Portland have prompted increased tensions surrounding the agency’s activities against illegal immigrants. Members of Antifa have reportedly targeted conservative journalists at these protests and may have intentions to deploy lasers against federal aircraft.

Antifa was previously involved in unrest following George Floyd’s death in May 2020 and has a history of violent encounters, including the assault on journalist Andy Ngo in Portland in June 2019.