Heartland Residents Bristle at Democrats' 'No Kings' Protest and CAIR's Criticism of Bill Maher

Midwestern Americans express frustration over political stunts and Muslim group's objections to comedian's Kennedy Center honor

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:03am

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A vibrant, fractured painting depicting a political protest scene, with a podium or stage at the center surrounded by overlapping, geometric shapes in warm colors like red, orange, and yellow, conveying a sense of energy and movement.The 'No Kings' protest in St. Paul reflects the growing divide between coastal elites and middle America.Gainesville Today

Twin Minnesota Democrats, Gov. Tim Walz and Rep. Ilhan Omar, held a 'No Kings' protest in St. Paul during opening week of baseball season, drawing criticism from Heartland residents who felt the event was a political stunt. Meanwhile, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) objected to comedian Bill Maher receiving the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor from the Kennedy Center, accusing him of 'open bigotry against Muslims.' Midwesterners reacted with a mix of bemusement and exasperation to both events.

Why it matters

The reactions from Heartland residents highlight the growing divide between coastal elites and middle America, with the 'No Kings' protest and CAIR's criticism of Maher seen as out-of-touch and disconnected from the concerns of ordinary Americans. The story also touches on broader tensions around immigration, Islam, and free speech that have become flashpoints in US politics.

The details

The 'No Kings' protest in St. Paul, organized by Gov. Walz and Rep. Omar, was intended to convince followers that the US is now a monarchy and President Trump must go. However, many Heartlanders saw it as a political stunt, with one resident asking if daycare would be provided. Meanwhile, CAIR objected to the Kennedy Center honoring Bill Maher, accusing him of 'open bigotry against Muslims.' Residents in the Midwest reacted with a mix of bemusement and exasperation, with one person suggesting CAIR should be 'outlawed and all members deported.'

  • The 'No Kings' protest took place during opening week of the baseball season.
  • CAIR objected to Bill Maher receiving the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor from the Kennedy Center.

The players

Tim Walz

The Democratic governor of Minnesota who participated in the 'No Kings' protest in St. Paul.

Ilhan Omar

The Democratic U.S. Representative from Minnesota who participated in the 'No Kings' protest in St. Paul.

Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)

A Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization that objected to Bill Maher receiving the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor from the Kennedy Center.

Bill Maher

The comedian who was awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor by the Kennedy Center, drawing criticism from CAIR.

Olivia Chow

The mayor of Toronto who issued a motion telling ICE to 'stay out' of the city during the FIFA World Cup, which drew criticism from Heartland residents.

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What they’re saying

“'Mr. Maher would have never received this recognition if he were an antisemitic comedian who supported terrorism against Jewish-Americans or Israelis, but his open bigotry against Muslims and support for the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza are somehow perfectly acceptable.'”

— Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)

“'When a death cult criticizes you, you're doing something right.'”

— Jerome D'Angelo, Resident of Savannah, GA

“'CAIR should be outlawed and all members deported!'”

— Carl Mills, Resident of Tiptonville, TN

“'Apparently we aren't the only ones electing the stupid and looney.'”

— Vernon Carr, Resident of Universal City, TX

“'When bat**** crazy has no borders.'”

— Ter Bags, Resident of Gainesville, GA

What’s next

The controversy over the 'No Kings' protest and CAIR's criticism of Bill Maher is likely to continue, with both sides digging in and the divide between coastal elites and middle America remaining a central issue in US politics.

The takeaway

This story highlights the growing cultural and political divide between the coasts and the Heartland, with Midwestern residents expressing frustration over what they see as out-of-touch political stunts and criticism from coastal elites. The reactions also reflect broader tensions around immigration, Islam, and free speech that have become flashpoints in US politics.