The No Kings rallies across the country were a sign of life, but I have to wonder if they even register on Trump’s radar. Nothing appears to rattle him, ultimately. He may get hot under the collar, say or do something infantile, find people to add to his enemies list, but the bigger picture still includes an intentionality and momentum that can’t be quashed by much of anything. He seems to be able to use any potential attack or criticism as some sort of fuel.
The rallies themselves looked to be jovial and upbeat, not quite parties in the streets, displays of conscience and creativity, anger and wit with regard to sign creation. I do believe there was and is an undercurrent of seriousness, and efforts that reflect an understanding that these gatherings move beyond just something to do on a Saturday afternoon.
I can’t help but think, though, that these demonstrations are one incident away from turning into something way more somber and costly, that the rubber may soon meet the road when it comes to confronting the menace that is Trump and the rest of the players around him.
The sad fact is that, in the worst way, Trump wants to stay where he is. He sees challenges coming to his power in the 2026 midterms, so steps are already being taken to minimize that damage. And who doesn’t think he won’t find some lame excuse or tenuous loophole to warrant a run for a third term in 2028?
The demonstrations can’t stop, and people need to realize that they aren’t always going to be just big, fun gatherings of sign wavers and cheap shots and people dressed in inflatable costumes.
Did you happen to see the quick interview on Air Force One the other day when Trump was asked about the No Kings rallies? He dismissed them, and said, in a snide sort of way, that he was no king—in a manner and tone of voice that could be taken less as assurance and more as a thinly-veiled threat: he views himself as someone much more sinister, and much less benevolent, than a king.
3 Cents' 