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Thousands Protest Trump at 'No Kings' Rallies Across U.S.
Conservative media tries to discredit the grassroots movement, but the anger is real and growing
Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:06am
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Thousands of Kansans and millions of Americans took to the streets over the weekend for the third 'No Kings' protest directed at President Donald Trump. Conservative media and social media immediately mobilized to try to discredit, demean and dismiss the protesters' concerns, but the anger over issues like higher prices, ongoing wars, and threats to citizenship and voting rights is finding its voice and growing.
Why it matters
The 'No Kings' protests reflect a broader frustration with the Trump administration among the American people, going beyond any single issue. As the midterm elections approach, this growing anger could have significant political implications.
The details
Conservative media figures like Andy Hooser and John Whitmer attempted to discredit the 'No Kings' protests by claiming they were funded by big money and paid protesters, but these claims were quickly debunked. Meanwhile, the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Texas struggled to attract top-tier speakers and saw a viral moment where the audience cheered when asked about impeachment hearings, much to the surprise of CPAC chairman Matt Schlapp.
- The third 'No Kings' protest took place over the weekend.
- The midterm elections are scheduled for November.
The players
Donald Trump
The current President of the United States, who is the target of the 'No Kings' protests.
Andy Hooser
A Wichita-based syndicated right-wing talk show host and vice chairman of the Kansas Republican Party.
John Whitmer
A right-wing talk show host on KNSS and chairman of the Sedgwick County Republican Party.
Matt Schlapp
The chairman of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
Trump's secretary of bad diet advice, weird conspiracy theories and bear-cub-carcass abuse, who was a featured speaker at CPAC 2026.
What they’re saying
“We broke this story on the show this weekend. '500 groups. $3 Billion to make the 'No Kings' protests look like a 'grassroots' movement. Follow the money. And watch the organized opposition express their faux rage.'”
— Andy Hooser, Wichita-based syndicated right-wing talk show host and vice chairman of the Kansas Republican Party
“Seeing a number of posts about the local NO Kings protests today, wonder how much THEY were paid?”
— John Whitmer, Right-wing talk show host on KNSS and chairman of the Sedgwick County Republican Party
“How many of you would like to see impeachment hearings?”
— Matt Schlapp, CPAC chairman
What’s next
The midterm elections in November will be a key test of the political impact of the growing anger reflected in the 'No Kings' protests.
The takeaway
The 'No Kings' protests are not about any single issue, but rather a broader frustration with the Trump administration that is finding its voice and could have significant political consequences in the upcoming midterm elections.
