'Our founders did not want a king': Pelosi invokes American Revolution as 'No Kings' marches sweep

WASHINGTON, DC: Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi released a video statement on Saturday, March 28, emphasizing democratic principles and warning about potential risks to the US political system.

Speaking in the context of the country’s 250th anniversary, Pelosi highlighted the historical foundations of governance outlined in the Constitution. 

Her remarks align with broader messaging tied to 'No Kings' demonstrations taking place across the country. The statement focused on the role of institutions, elections, and voter concerns in shaping the current political environment.

Nancy Pelosi cites the Constitution and Separation of Powers

In her statement, Pelosi underscored the foundational idea that the United States was designed to reject monarchical rule.

“The democracy issue is everything. We're in our 250th anniversary. We have no king today. Our founders did not want a king. Our founders did not want a king,” she said.

She pointed to constitutional mechanisms that limit executive authority, adding, "They wrote a constitution that we don't want a monarch to declare war any time he felt like it."

"That's why they have Congress declaring war. If I didn't want somebody in charge of all the money to do whatever he wants, that's why Congress has the power of the purse," she continued.

Pelosi emphasized that the separation of powers remains central to the US system of governance.

“The separation of power is essential to not having a monarch,” she said, while outlining additional pillars of democracy.

“But it's also, what is democracy? Free and fair elections. You know what they're doing. Independent judiciary. Forget about it. Rule of law. Due process. Freedom of the press. Separation of power,” Pelosi said.

Focus on elections and voter concerns

Pelosi also addressed how voters approach elections, noting that economic and personal considerations often shape political decisions.

“However, our experience is, and as we do that, that's why I say, we save the democracy at the kitchen table,” she said. “People usually vote for what they see as their immediate self-interest, and they see as an immediate threat.”

She added that many voters remain confident in the resilience of US institutions but cautioned against complacency.

“I think they're so patriotic, they think our country can survive even this thing. But I thought we could survive one. I'm not sure we can survive two terms,” she added apparently referencing to President Donald Trump. 

Pelosi’s remarks come amid heightened political engagement and public demonstrations emphasizing democratic values, including the 'No Kings' movement.

The messaging has focused on constitutional principles such as checks and balances, as well as broader concerns about governance, elections, and institutional independence.