Beto O’Rourke ‘proud’ to march in Austin’s ‘No Kings’ protest against Greg Abbott, Trump
ASUTIN, TEXAS: Former Democratic Rep Beto O’Rourke said he was "proud" to be a part of the "No Kings" demonstrations against President Donald Trump and his allies.
The one-time Senate candidate joined thousands of Texans who flooded downtown Austin for a “No Kings” rally, part of a nationwide wave of protests calling out what participants say is America’s slow slide into authoritarianism.
Bete O’Rourke calls protests 'antidote' to authoritarianism
When asked by NBC News about Gov Greg Abbott’s decision to roll out the National Guard to “monitor” the crowds, Beto O’Rourke called it unnecessary.
“Well, this is clearly a peaceful nonviolent protest,” he told the reporter. “It’s as American as First Amendment, as US Constitution as it gets.”
“But I don’t think that Greg Abbott or Donald Trump are interested in the rule of law or the US Constitution or peaceful protest. They would rather intimidate. They seek to control and they’re trying to cement authoritarian power nationally and right here in Texas," he insisted.
O’Rourke said the massive turnout in Austin, an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 people, was the ultimate counterpunch to what he called “authoritarian power grabs.”
“But the antidote to all that is the 20 to 30,000 people who have shown up so far at the capital who are marching with us right now to auditorium shores," he said.
“We have overcome really long odds before, whether it was our independence 249 years ago, defeating the Confederacy, stopping fascism in Europe to ensure that it never takes control here again, overpowering the armed and elected thugs of Jim Crow to win civil rights and voting rights,” O’Rourke said. “That’s what this movement is all about, and I could not be more proud than to stand and march with my fellow Texans.”
George Soros’ network linked to funding nationwide ‘No Kings’ protests
The Austin rally was just one of hundreds across the country, part of the second wave of “No Kings” protests since June. Millions of demonstrators poured into the streets from Portland to Chicago.
Communities big and small turned out with handmade signs, marching bands, and even an enormous banner featuring the preamble to the US Constitution. Inflatable costumes, especially frog suits, a quirky protest symbol that first appeared in Portland, bounced through the crowds.
According to Fox News, billionaire investor and longtime Democratic megadonor George Soros’ network is helping bankroll the “No Kings” push.
Soros’ Open Society Foundations, which has backed countless progressive causes, awarded a two-year, $3 million grant in 2023 to the Indivisible organization “to support the grantee’s social welfare activities,” according to the foundation’s website.
Indivisible is largely coordinating the effort, “managing data and communications with participants” for the “No Kings” protests happening nationwide.
“What we are seeing from the Democrats is some spine,” said Indivisible’s co-founder Ezra Levin in an interview with the Associated Press. “The worst thing the Democrats could do right now is surrender.”
Levin, who serves as the group’s executive co-director, runs Indivisible with his wife, Leah Greenberg. Greenberg previously served as policy director for Tom Perriello’s campaign for governor of Virginia. Perriello himself formerly led the Open Society Foundations, serving as its executive director from October 2018 to July 2023.
According to the Open Society website, Soros has already donated more than $32 billion of his personal fortune to his foundation network, with his son Alex now serving as chairman of the board.
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