House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana pushed back hard against what he described as a coordinated media effort to portray the recent “No Kings” demonstrations as peaceful gatherings. He accused the movement’s organizers and participants — including groups identifying as “anti-fascists” — of promoting violent rhetoric under the guise of political protest.
Johnson displayed posters featuring signs carried by demonstrators referencing former FBI Director Jim Comey’s “86 47” phrase. The term “86” — restaurant slang for “to eliminate” — has been widely interpreted as a veiled threat toward President Donald Trump, the nation’s 47th president.
At his daily shutdown press briefing, Johnson denounced what he called a dangerous escalation of language that could easily turn into action. “They’re not just protesting — what they’re doing is different – they’re trying to incite violence,” he warned, adding that federal officials are tracking potential threats linked to the rallies. “You don’t mock a president that has already had two failed assassination attempts on his life. This is not a game.”
While some argue the slogans were meant only as political criticism of Trump, Johnson’s remarks reflected a growing Republican alarm about the increasingly hostile tone of anti-Trump demonstrations — especially as the government shutdown drags on and election tensions rise. “When they go the next step and call for violence on political officials in an environment that’s already heightened threat environment, it’s dangerous stuff,” Johnson said.
He sarcastically acknowledged that the protests did not devolve into destruction, saying, “They had a right to do it. Congratulations, they didn’t burn any buildings down. That’s a big achievement for the left to have some kind of gathering where they don’t have some kind of looting, and riots, and burning a building down. But you need to look past that and look at what they’re actually advocating for openly.”
Johnson also indicated he would recall the House into session if the Senate approved a bill to restore pay for federal employees, possibly setting up a Tuesday vote.
When asked about President Trump’s Truth Social post featuring a meme that depicted protesters being airdropped with excrement, Johnson defended it as symbolic commentary rather than incitement. “He is using satire to make a point,” the Speaker explained. “He is not calling for the murder of his political opponents, and that’s what these people are doing. It’s unconscionable.”
{Matzav.com}
