UPDATE: Just ahead of the anticipated No Kings protests this Saturday, Fox News host Jesse Watters has publicly challenged the credibility of Democratic protests, raising alarms about their ability to organize peaceful demonstrations. In a segment on The Five aired Friday, Watters claimed, “The Democrats, every time they do gather together, it’s not mostly peaceful,” referencing previous protests that turned violent.
Watters’ remarks come as the country braces for approximately 2,500 anti-Trump rallies set to unfold in more than 2,500 cities on October 7, 2023. This marks a significant increase from previous protests held in June, where more than 5 million people gathered nationwide to oppose Trump’s policies. The upcoming protests are fueled by ongoing concerns over President Trump’s “authoritarian agenda,” which activists claim has intensified since the last demonstrations.
“Every time you guys get together, someone dies or there’s a lot of fires,” Watters stated, drawing comparisons to past events such as the BLM riots and protests in Portland. He contrasted these with the historic Tea Party movement, which he labeled as “a legitimate protest movement,” suggesting that current Democratic efforts appear “a little more astroturfed.”
The No Kings protests are organized in response to a range of issues, including increased ICE raids, targeted attacks on political critics like James Comey and Letitia James, and ongoing hostility toward critical media outlets. Organizers assert that these rallies are essential to counteract what they view as escalating governmental overreach.
In a stark warning, Republican Senator Roger Marshall voiced concerns over potential violence at the upcoming rallies, suggesting that “paid actors, agitators, Pro-Hamas, and Antifa members” may infiltrate the events. “We’ll have to get the National Guard out,” he cautioned, expressing skepticism about the rallies remaining peaceful.
As the nation readies for this wave of protests, the atmosphere is charged with uncertainty. Watters, still doubtful about the impact of the No Kings rallies, stated, “I don’t know if this has legs.”
With the potential for significant public demonstrations and political confrontation, all eyes will be on the streets this weekend as activists mobilize against what they perceive as a critical threat to democracy. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
