WASHINGTON—House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has suggested Democrats may be waiting to cave and reopen the government until after this weekend’s “No Kings” protest. Internal rally documents reviewed by The Daily Wire indicate he’s on to something.
On Saturday, demonstrators across the country will gather in what organizers describe as a “peaceful national day of action and mass mobilization in response to the increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption of the Trump administration.” That includes a major event outside the Capitol in Washington, D.C.
Johnson suggested on Fox News last weekend that Democrats were holding out for the protest in order to capitalize on anti-Trump sentiment. Some could argue that Johnson’s theory sounds like a conspiracy, but documents obtained by The Daily Wire reveal the group is encouraging hosts to “lock in” speakers such as “laid-off federal workers, like National Parks rangers or veterans.”
The “NO KINGS Oct 18 Toolkit for Hosts” document instructs event hosts to secure “compelling speakers to anchor the agenda” and to “aim to lock in 2-4 speakers who can talk authentically about the crisis we face.”
They also encourage hosts to get speakers who “rely on Medicaid or other threatened services.”
Another sign that organizers expect to focus messaging on the shutdown is found in their “NO KINGS Oct 18 Speaker Guidance” document, which lists “Shutdown” under “Issues and Topics.”
“President Trump and his political allies hold a trifecta in D.C. This shutdown is on them. Time and time again, this president shows us that the only thing he wants is absolute power. Shutting down our government because you don’t get your way isn’t leadership — it’s a temper tantrum,” the guidance document said.
The No Kings documents make clear that there is no grassroots movement. Included in the group’s online asset package are flyers, rally signs, printed materials to distribute, a comprehensive 10-page “Song and Chant” document, safety planning instructions, and various other event resources.
The group has already held multiple trainings and is planning another session for Tuesday, October 14, aimed at messaging and “how to talk about your local No Kings movement, both to reporters and on your social media channels.”
A mobilization call was held on September 18 — just weeks before the government shutdown on October 1.
Organizers said in a prep email that “thousands” of events are planned across the country — according to a promotional materials document — and the interactive map published shows just how widespread the effort is.
A “safety planning worksheet” reveals sign-ups for volunteers to assist with “medical support,” “press support,” and even “jail support.”
Although a core principle of the group is “a commitment to nonviolent action and no civil disobedience,” organizers are already planning and advising in case of potential arrests.
“In the event of arrests, track arrested individuals and coordinate legal assistance. Reach out to the local chapter of the National Lawyers Guild for support or the names of local lawyers willing to offer services (pro bono and other),” the document says.
The group also posted a video on October 7 with “tips” for attendees — including instructions to use encrypted apps, such as Signal.
They are encouraging participants to bring American flags to “reclaim this symbol” and “remind the world that the freedom we stand for is freedom for all.”
This is not the first “No Kings” rally; the group had a similar rally back in June, which brought large crowds to major cities, the New York Times reported.
President Donald Trump was asked about the protest in a clip shared by the White House.
“I don’t feel like a King — I have to go through hell to get stuff approved,” the president joked. “No, no, we’re not a King. We’re not a King at all,” Trump said.
Organizers said on their website that millions of people are expected to turn out for the protests this weekend.
