Bill Nye calls Trump a ‘petulant president’ in DC ‘No Kings’ rally speech

WASHINGTON, DC: Television host and science educator Bill Nye delivered a fiery speech at the Washington, DC, “No Kings” rally on Saturday, October 18, warning that the country was “confronting the possible end to our republic” under President Donald Trump’s administration, and accused the Republican leader and his team of restricting free speech and rolling back long-held democratic traditions.

“How did we get here?” Nye asked the crowd gathered in front of the Capitol. “It hasn’t been one instance of abuse of the power of executive order by this president. It hasn’t been just one twist in a court ruling. Instead, it has been years in the making, 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.”

Bill Nye says Trump and his associates can't 'tolerate dissent'

In his address, Bill Nye claimed that the administration’s treatment of journalists, critics, and scientists reflected a growing intolerance for opposing views. “This president and his associates cannot tolerate dissent. To them, our free speech is frightening,” he said. 

The 69-year-old added that those present at the rally were “sending a message” to lawmakers, urging them to “stop the abuses of this petulant president and his circle of sycophants.”

The rally, one of several anti-Trump demonstrations held nationwide, drew thousands of protesters calling for accountability and reform. However, Republican leaders dismissed the event as politically motivated, with some branding the demonstrations “hate America” rallies and linking them to far-left groups such as Antifa and Hamas.

Bill Nye criticizes Trump administration over science and funding cuts

The former 'Bill Nye the Science Guy' host also accused the Donald Trump administration of disregarding scientific facts and undermining research.

“For decades, the US has been a leader in science,” he said. “But this administration has failed to accept scientific facts or promote progress. Instead, they’ve suppressed science to the detriment of our health, well-being, and international competitiveness.”

Nye cited reports that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) accused the administration of illegally withholding $8 billion in funding to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) earlier this year. He also referenced scientists’ criticism of a recent White House climate report, which many experts labeled “just plain wrong.”

“It is a formula for failure,” Nye said.

Ongoing tensions between Trump and the press

Bill Nye's remarks come amid renewed tensions between the Donald Trump administration and the press. Earlier this week, the Pentagon required journalists to sign a pledge agreeing to new reporting restrictions or forfeit their credentials, a move that many major outlets refused.

The president has also filed a $15 billion defamation lawsuit against 'The New York Times' and criticized ABC for reinstating comedian Jimmy Kimmel’s show following his suspension over anti-Trump commentary.