Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said Sunday that the “No Kings” protests against President Trump this weekend were a “stunt” created by Democrats because they needed “cover” amid the ongoing government shutdown.
In an interview on ABC News’ “This Week”, Johnson suggested there was no need for Trump’s critics to join the No Kings demonstrations this weekend, saying that the fact the protests took place was proof that they were not necessary.
“The irony of the message is clear to everyone. If President Trump were king, the government would be open right now. If President Trump were king, he would not be able to engage in that free speech exercise [National] By the way, the mall was open because President Trump didn’t shut it down,” the speaker said.
Referring to Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), she said, “He needed a stunt. He needed a show. Chuck Schumer … needs cover right now. He shut down the government because he needs political cover and this was a part of it.”
millions of americansopposed the presidentAnd his administration held about 2,600 demonstrations Saturday in all 50 states, small towns and major cities, including New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.
many democratic legislatorSchumer and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, including joined the workersWhile Republican massively supported trump And criticized the demonstrations.
The protests followed a nearly three-week shutdown with no sign of an agreement to reopen the government. Democrats have insisted that enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of the year, be extended before agreeing to support a GOP plan to reopen the government.
Johnson said, “We congratulate them for obviously exercising violence-free, free speech. I was a First Amendment lawyer for 20 years. We defend that right.”
