Leland Vittert: Republicans Must Heed 'No Kings' Movement Despite Trump's Stance

Scale of the 'No Kings' Movement

• 🎯 Organizers estimate 7 million people protested across nearly 3,000 American cities, making it one of the largest single-day gatherings in U.S. history.
• 📊 Even if the turnout is half the estimated number, it still represents millions of people dedicating their Saturdays to protest.
• 📍 The scale of the event is compared to Hands Across America and the equivalent of the entire Houston metro area lining up.

Trump's Dismissal of the Movement

• 🗣️ Donald Trump stated that the turnout was not representative of the country and that he is not a king.
• 🚫 He also characterized the 'No Kings' slogan as "stupid," arguing that no king would allow such widespread protest.
• 💡 Trump believes the protesters are not his supporters, suggesting their turnout doesn't reflect his base.

Darker Aspects of the Protests

• ⚠️ While most marches were peaceful, some signs and chants celebrated or called for violence against perceived opponents.
• 🔪 Specific examples include protesters fantasizing about violence, calling for guns against a "fascist system," and expressing wishes for Donald Trump's death.
• 🍎 An elementary school teacher was noted for mocking Charlie Kirk's death and making gun gestures, highlighting a concerning normalization of violent rhetoric.

Historical Parallels and Lessons

• ⏳ The "No Kings" movement is compared to the Tea Party protests of 2009-2010, which were initially dismissed but later influenced political movements.
• 🔑 Both parties are urged to take protest movements seriously, as history shows they can gain momentum and influence.
• ⚖️ Republicans are advised to acknowledge the real anger driving the movement, while Democrats need to address the open championing of violence among their supporters.