Bernie Sanders Rebuts Speaker Johnson’s Claims on “No Kings Rally,” Calls It a Celebration of American Democracy
Sanders Pushes Back Against “Hate America” Label
Senator Bernie Sanders has strongly rejected House Speaker Mike Johnson’s characterization of the upcoming “No Kings Rally” as a “hate America” event, declaring instead that the rally represents a moment of unity and patriotic defense of democratic ideals. In a video statement released Thursday, Sanders described the October 18 gathering on the National Mall as “a demonstration of love for America” and a collective stand by citizens who treasure the nation’s founding principles.
“The right to protest is the beating heart of American freedom,” Sanders said, emphasizing that millions of supporters nationwide would rally in support of constitutional values and against what he called the rise of “authoritarian tendencies” within national leadership. His remarks followed recent comments from Johnson, who accused the Vermont senator and organizers of the event of encouraging division and hostility toward the United States.
A Rally Framed by Deep Partisan Divide
The “No Kings Rally” comes at a moment of heightened political tension in the United States. With growing polarization and economic uncertainty dominatings, both major political parties have sought to shape national narratives ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Sanders, who has long positioned himself as a champion of working families and democratic institutions, framed the rally as a peaceful demonstration against concentrated political power.
The senator’s pointed criticism of Speaker Johnson and former President Donald Trump underscores his ongoing concern about threats to democratic norms. Sanders accused the two Republican leaders of attempting to centralize authority and silence dissent, warning that their recent policy proposals could push the nation “toward a government by the wealthy and powerful, not the people.”
In particular, Sanders took aim at what he described as efforts to double health care premiums while cutting coverage for 15 million Americans—a claim that echoes his broader critique of the economic policies advanced by his Republican counterparts.
The Historical Weight of the National Mall
The choice of the National Mall as the site of the “No Kings Rally” is laden with symbolism. The grounds have hosted many of the country’s most defining moments of peaceful protest, from the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom to more recent demonstrations advocating for racial justice, women’s rights, and climate action. Sanders explicitly invoked this legacy in his remarks, calling the site a “living witness to America’s promise of liberty and equality.”
“Every step taken on the National Mall by citizens demanding change is a reaffirmation of what this country stands for,” he said. “To suggest that such an act is un-American is to misunderstand the entire purpose of our democracy.”
Organizers anticipate that hundreds of thousands may attend the rally, though precise estimates remain uncertain. Local authorities have prepared for heavy security and road closures across downtown Washington, D.C., as law enforcement coordinates with federal agencies to ensure public safety.
Economic Concerns at the Center of the Debate
At the heart of Sanders’s rebuke is an economic message consistent with his long-standing political platform. He warned that proposed Republican health policy changes could deepen economic inequality, driving up costs for middle-class families already struggling with rising inflation and stagnant wages. His comments come amid fresh government reports showing household debt levels at a record high and uninsured rates ticking upward in several states.
“The American people are tired of a system that fails working families while rewarding billionaires and corporations,” Sanders said in his video. “We are coming together on October 18 to say no—no to authoritarianism, no to corruption, and no to kings.”
The senator’s phrase “no to kings” draws directly from his critique of what he describes as an erosion of democratic balance—an appeal to America’s founding rejection of monarchy and hereditary power. By positioning the rally as both populist and patriotic, Sanders hopes to reframe the event as a moral cause rather than a partisan one.
The Broader Political Context
Speaker Johnson’s condemnation of the rally reflects the broader clash over how dissent is perceived in American public life. The Louisiana Republican argued earlier this week that events like the “No Kings Rally” risk inflaming tensions at a time when national unity is needed. His office released a statement describing it as “an attack on the institutions that have kept America strong.”
Political analysts note that such rhetoric is part of a long history in which protest movements have been alternately celebrated and vilified. The civil rights and anti-war movements of the 1960s faced similar criticisms before becoming widely recognized as pivotal moments of civic progress.
Sanders’s allies assert that Johnson’s remarks mirror an attempt to delegitimize popular protest by branding it as unpatriotic. “That kind of language is designed to discourage people from participating,” said one senior adviser involved in the rally’s organization. “But the more it’s attacked, the clearer it becomes why people need to show up.”
Reaction From Supporters and Critics
Public response to Sanders’s statement has been swift and polarized. Supporters praised his insistence on the patriotic nature of protest, flooding social media with the hashtag #NoKingsRally and images of the American flag. Advocacy groups aligned with progressive causes announced plans to provide transportation for participants from across the country.
Critics, however, contend that the rally could escalate tensions in an already divided political environment. Conservative commentators have accused Sanders of inflaming class resentment and using populist rhetoric to stoke opposition to legitimate government authority. “This is about division, not unity,” said one Republican strategist. “Sanders has turned a disagreement over policy into a moral battle.”
Despite the controversy, Sanders’s allies insist the tone of the event will remain peaceful and civic-minded. Organizers have emphasized nonviolence and inclusivity, framing the rally as a “family-friendly” day of speeches, music, and reflection on the nation’s democratic heritage.
Regional and Global Comparisons
The upcoming rally also resonates with global trends in civic activism. Across Europe and parts of Asia, citizens have increasingly taken to the streets to demand governmental accountability and economic reform. Political scientists note that mass demonstrations in democratic societies often correlate with periods of economic stress and institutional mistrust.
Regionally, the “No Kings Rally” follows a series of state-level protests over healthcare affordability, workers’ rights, and voting restrictions. In states such as Wisconsin and Georgia, local demonstrations have drawn thousands of participants, signaling a broader movement toward grassroots mobilization ahead of national elections. Sanders’s appeal for “love of America, not love of power” aligns with these regional currents, emphasizing the continuity between local struggles and national ideals.
Echoes of the American Protest Tradition
The spirit of dissent that Sanders invokes is deeply embedded in American history. From the Boston Tea Party of 1773 to the suffragist parades of the early 20th century, public protest has served as a crucial mechanism for social and political progress. By framing the “No Kings Rally” within this tradition, Sanders seeks to remind Americans that questioning authority is not a betrayal of patriotism but an affirmation of it.
Political historians point out that moments of widespread mobilization often produce lasting change precisely because they channel public frustration into visible, collective action. “The genius of the American system is that it allows for peaceful dissent,” said one historian at Georgetown University. “Sanders is tapping into that lineage at a time when many feel democracy itself is under strain.”
Looking Ahead to October 18
As the rally approaches, both supporters and detractors are watching closely to see whether Sanders’s message of unity will resonate with a public weary of partisan conflict. The event’s timing—less than a month before key state legislative elections—adds an element of political suspense. For Sanders, however, the stakes appear to transcend electoral outcomes.
“This is not about one party or one election,” he declared. “It’s about the kind of country we want to be—a democracy where the people are sovereign, not the powerful.”
The October 18 “No Kings Rally” thus stands as both a political test and a symbolic reaffirmation of democratic freedom. Whether it succeeds in bridging divisions or deepens them may depend less on the speeches delivered that day than on the broader national appetite for renewal. For now, Sanders has made clear his view that love of country and the right to dissent are inseparable—and that no label of “hate” will silence those determined to safeguard the American experiment.