GOP calls anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ rallies far-left strategies to delay efforts to end shutdown

WASHINGTON, DC: Republican leaders on Capitol Hill believe that the Saturday, October 18, 'No Kings' protests against President Donald Trump are being used as a political weapon and distraction tactic amid the ongoing government shutdown.

Labeling the rallies as "Hate America" gatherings, GOP lawmakers argued that the Democrats are pandering to their left-wing base rather than negotiating a deal to reopen the government.

Mike Johnson dubs the 'No Kings' movement as a ‘hate America rally’

House Speaker Mike Johnson has labeled the ‘No Kings’ movement as a "Hate America Rally."

Taking to X, he wrote, “Now we know Saturday’s events are actually funded by Soros, and sponsored by the Communist Party USA, among other far Left and communist groups."

"How could there any more appropriate nickname than the "Hate America Rally?”" he added.

While speaking to the Fox Business Network, he said that the demonstrations have showcased “wild leftist policy priorities.”

He also predicted that Democrats would allegedly be reluctant to compromise until after the protests. 

“After that’s over, I hope there’s a few Democrats over here who will come to their senses and return to governing the country,” Johnson said.

“Right now, it’s my assumption and all of ours- that they would not make that concession before that rally's over because they don't want to face the angry mob. I mean it's sad, but that's where we are,” he added.

Schumer says ‘No Kings’ rallies are an 'affirmation of what America is all about'

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries declined to comment on whether he would attend a rally. He cited the “sensitivities” of the shutdown, but defended Americans’ right to protest.

“I support the right of every single American to participate in the rallies that are going to take place this week and showing up to express dissent against an out-of-control administration,” Jeffries told reporters.

In contrast, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer confirmed he would attend, along with House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar.

He also posted on X, supporting the rally and using it to attack President Donald Trump.

“Today’s No Kings rallies are an affirmation of what America is all about. We are a democracy. We have no kings, despite the fact that Trump has even said he wants to become one,” he wrote.

Furthermore, he called on Americans to use their "right to free speech."

“I say to my fellow Americans this No Kings Day: Do not let Donald Trump and Republicans intimidate you into silence. That's what they want to do. They're afraid of the truth. Speak out, use your voice, and exercise your right to free speech,” he added. 

Schumer also penned, "Dictators evolve when good people of all different beliefs and backgrounds stay silent. This No Kings Day says we will not stay silent."

Republicans link protests to stalled negotiations

Rep Zach Nunn and other House Republicans suggest that Democrats’ participation in the rallies is allegedly politically motivated and about preventing progress.

“If they don’t want a primary from the left, they’ll probably find a way to sneak it into their schedule,” Nunn told Fox News.

“They should be doing it today, but if they feel like they’ve got to appease their base, then they better come to Jesus on Sunday,” he added. 

House GOP leaders have repeatedly cited the rallies during daily press briefings.

Majority Leader Steve Scalise accused Schumer of caring more about “impressing the ‘Hate America’ rally crowd” than solving the shutdown.

Majority Whip Tom Emmer said that the Democrats were beholden to “a small but very violent and vocal group.”

“If they shut it down beforehand, they’ve got to deal with that group beforehand,” Emmer said.

“If they make it through that, then at least they've made it through their Hate America rally, and then they can get this thing done,” he added.

The Republican-controlled House passed a short-term spending measure, or continuing resolution, last month to fund the government through November 21.

The Senate has repeatedly rejected it, with Democrats insisting that any deal must include an extension of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies set to expire later this year.