Bernie Sanders claims the democratic crisis goes beyond 'one man's greed' at 'No Kings' rally

WASHINGTON, DC: Senator Bernie Sanders and science educator Bill Nye delivered impassioned speeches warning of deepening threats to democracy under President Donald Trump’s administration at the Saturday, October 18, 'No Kings' rally.

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders was greeted with thunderous applause as he took the stage. He responded directly to House Speaker Mike Johnson’s earlier characterization of the rallies as ‘Hate America’ events.  

“Boy, does he have it wrong,” Sanders said.

“Millions across thousands of US cities showed up not because they hate America, but because they love America,” he added.

Sanders blames the Trump administration for undermining democratic values

Sanders accused the Trump administration of undermining democratic values, citing federal agents deployed to American cities, threats to jail political opponents, and lawsuits against journalists.

"This moment is not just about one man’s greed, one man’s corruption, or one man’s contempt for the Constitution,” he said.

"This is about a handful of the wealthiest people on earth, who in their insatiable greed, have hijacked our economy and our political system in order to enrich themselves at the expense of working families throughout this country," he added.

The senator went on to call out billionaires Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and others for what he described as their alleged role in enabling Trump’s political ascent.

Bill Nye says no to the 'abuses of this petulant president'

Bill Nye, best known for his Emmy-winning show 'Bill Nye the Science Guy', also drew loud cheers when he took aim at what he called “the end of our Republic” brought on by Trump and his “group of confederates.”

“We are here to tell our lawmakers that what’s going on in our government is wrong,” Nye said.

“They must stop the abuses of this petulant president and his circle of sycophants. No thrones. No crowns. No kings,” he added. 

Nye also accused the administration of silencing dissent, firing civil servants and prosecutors, and denying due process.

Comparing Trump to King George III, he read from the Declaration of Independence to highlight the parallels between colonial tyranny and modern-day overreach.

“Their king had refused to honor the law. Their king has refused to let lawmakers be elected. The king had made court judges dependent on his will,” Nye said.

“They cited the king sending, quote, swarms of officers to harass our people...Did these actions sound familiar?” he added.

Nye also condemned the administration’s alleged rejection of science and facts, warning that it undermined public health, innovation, and America’s global standing.

“Contrary to Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution, they do not promote the progress of science. They suppress it to the detriment of our health, well-being, and international competitiveness,” he said.

“Enabled by this President, a group of confederates has worked together to undo many of our traditions and understandings of fairness and of citizens’ rights,” Nye added.

'No Kings' rallies have drawn massive crowds in various states, with demonstrators gathering in city squares, college campuses, and public parks.

From New York’s Times Square to Chicago’s Daley Plaza, and Los Angeles’ Pershing Square, protesters waved flags and carried signs reading “Save Democracy” and “No Crowns, No Kings.”