House Speaker Mike Johnson defended his controversial comments describing the weekend’s nationwide “No Kings” rallies — demonstrations opposing President Donald Trump — as “hate America” rallies. Johnson argued that his criticism was directed not at Democrats as a whole but at what he called the “hateful rhetoric” expressed by some protesters.
During an interview on ABC News’ “This Week,” co-anchor Jonathan Karl confronted Johnson about his statements linking protesters to anarchist, antifa, and pro-Hamas groups. Karl reminded him of his previous remarks following the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, when Johnson urged Americans to see one another as “fellow countrymen, not enemies.”
“I’ve never called anyone an enemy,” Johnson said. “But there were a lot of hateful messages during Saturday’s protests — we have video and photos showing violent rhetoric, signs calling the president a fascist and saying ‘fascists must die.’ It’s not about the people themselves, it’s about the message.”
Pressed again on his comparison of anarchists and antifa with the Democratic Party, Johnson insisted his words were taken out of context. “I never said it was the entire Democratic Party,” he said, “but we have to face reality. Look at New York — they’re about to elect an open socialist Marxist as mayor. There’s a rise of Marxism within the Democratic Party. That’s an objective fact.”
Johnson’s remarks referred to Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s Democratic mayoral candidate, who identifies as a democratic socialist. Mamdani has denied being a communist, pushing back on Trump’s characterization of him as one.
Johnson also mocked the “No Kings” slogan used by protesters, calling it ironic. “If President Trump were truly a king, the government would be open right now,” he said. “If he were a king, those same people wouldn’t have been able to exercise their free speech on the National Mall.”
Johnson’s comments come amid heightened tensions following the “No Kings” demonstrations, which drew millions across the country protesting Trump’s administration and policies. The Speaker’s framing of the rallies as “anti-American” has drawn criticism from Democrats, who say his words inflame division at a volatile political moment.
