In a recent interview, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson stood firm in his characterization of the weekend's No Kings rallies, which were organized in opposition to President Donald Trump, as “hate America” rallies. Johnson emphasized that his remarks were not aimed at the individuals participating in the protests but rather at the underlying messages being conveyed by the demonstrators.
During an exchange with ABC News' This Week co-anchor, Jonathan Karl, Johnson clarified his position on the protests. “Just on this notion that these are 'hate America' rallies,” he stated, referencing his previous comments where he linked anarchists, antifa advocates, and pro-Hamas groups to the modern Democratic Party. “I never called anybody an enemy,” Johnson insisted, despite acknowledging the presence of hate-filled rhetoric during the protests.
The Speaker pointed out the violent language used at the rallies, stating, “We have video and photos of pretty violent rhetoric calling out the president, saying ‘fascists must die’ and all the rest.” He reiterated that his focus was not on the protestors themselves but on the negative messages being communicated. Johnson’s stance reflects a broader concern about the tone and nature of political discourse in the current climate.
Johnson faced further questions regarding his comments that likened anarchists and antifa to elements of the modern Democratic Party. He defended his statements, saying, “I never said it was the whole Democratic Party, but you and I have to acknowledge the reality.” His remarks come amid rising tensions within the political landscape, particularly in cities like New York.
Turning his focus to New York City, Johnson criticized the Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, stating, “Look at what's happening in New York. They're about to elect an open socialist Marxist as the mayor of America's largest city.” He pointed to this development as evidence of a growing trend of Marxism within the Democratic Party, calling it “an objective fact, and no one can deny it.”
This is a developing story. As the situation evolves, we will provide updates on Johnson's statements and the ongoing political discourse surrounding the protests and the Democratic Party.
