Speaker of the House Mike Johnson defended labeling this weekend’s “No Kings” rallies opposing President Donald Trump as “hate America” rallies, arguing that he was not referring to Democrats themselves but the message of the protesters.
Pressed by Karl about Johnson likening anarchists, antifa and Hamas to the modern Democratic Party, Johnson defended his remarks.
There’s a rise of Marxism in the Democratic Party.
“If President Trump was a king, the government would be open right now.
If President Trump was a king, they would not have been able to engage in that free speech exercise out on the (National) Mall,” he said.
Mike Johnson, the speaker of the House, defended calling this weekend’s anti-President Donald Trump “No Kings” rallies “hate America” rallies, claiming that he was referring to the protesters’ message rather than Democrats in general.
Jonathan Karl, co-anchor of ABC News’ “This Week” program, questioned Johnson about his remarks from last week: “Just on this notion that these are, ‘hate America’ rallies — and you not only talked about anarchists, antifa advocates, pro-Hamas wing — you said this is the modern Democratic Party.”. However, I do recall your statement shortly after Charlie Kirk was killed, according to which we should see our fellow Americans as fellow citizens rather than as adversaries. “.”.
Although Johnson stated that “there were a lot of hateful messages” during Saturday’s protests, he added, “I’ve never called anybody an enemy.”.
He went on to say, “I mean, we have video and pictures of pretty violent rhetoric calling out the president, saying fascists must die, and all such things.”. Hence, the message is more important than the individuals. “.”.
Karl pressed Johnson on his comparison of the modern Democratic Party to anarchists, antifa, and Hamas. Johnson defended his comments.
Johnson remarked, “I never said it was the whole Democratic Party, but you and I have to acknowledge the reality,” before criticizing Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic candidate for mayor of New York City.
“Observe what is going on in New York. America’s largest city is going to elect an open socialist Marxist to be its mayor. Marxism is becoming more prevalent in the Democratic Party. No one can dispute it because it is an objective fact,” he stated.
Trump has referred to Mamdani as a “communist,” but he has previously denied this. He has consistently asserted that he is a democratic socialist.
Johnson further contended that it was ironic that the nationwide protests were branded as “No Kings”.
“The government would be open at this moment if President Trump were a king. They couldn’t have exercised their right to free speech on the National Mall if President Trump had been a monarch,” he said.
Here are some additional highlights from Johnson’s interview.
Regarding the upcoming inauguration of the Democratic Rep. The choice is Adelita Grijalva.
Karl: When will Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva be sworn in?
Johnson: When Chuck Schumer lets us turn the lights back on, that is, when we return to legislative session.
Karl: You haven’t done it yet?
Johnson: Due to the institution’s operational procedures. I am, incidentally, adhering to the Pelosi precedent.
Karl: And you swear in two Republicans the day after their election? What about the Johnson precedent?
Johnson: I’m pleased to respond. With pleasure, I respond. Pat Ryan is a Pelosi precedent. Sempolinski Joe. During a recess in August, they were elected. They were thus given the oath when the House reconvened for a regular legislative session 21 days later. That’s what we’re doing. We are not currently in session. Rep. Grijalva was elected following the House’s adjournment. I’ll give the oath as soon as we resume the legislative session and the Democrats agree to turn the lights back on so that everyone can return.
Karl: I take it you could swear in tomorrow?
Johnson: Not at all… Not on the morrow. We couldn’t and wouldn’t, sorry. Two Floridians were granted an exception earlier in this Congress. That being said, they were legitimately elected. They agreed on a date. All of their friends and family were flown in, and the House abruptly adjourned.
Karl: Well, if she brings friends and relatives…
Johnson: No specific date has been set. After our session ended, she was elected.
Upon the former Rep. Conversion of George Santos’ sentence.
Karl: How would you interpret that?
Johnson: The president is entitled to pardon and — under the Constitution.
Karl: Indeed.
Johnson: And, of course, commuting. Our belief is in redemption. I firmly believe in this. Additionally, I hope Mr. Dot Santos takes full advantage of his second opportunity.
Karl: When he says something like, “I’m pardoning someone because they always had the courage –” is that acceptable?
Johnson: It’s not the cause.
“Intelligence and conviction to always vote Republican?” asked Karl.
Johnson: He said a lot of things about George Santos, and that is just a sample of what he said.
Karl: Should that be taken into consideration when granting clemency or pardoning someone who votes Republican?
No, and I don’t believe it was, Johnson said. I don’t believe it was. He seems to be discussing this person and his past, and at least he is being honest and open about it. Joe Biden never provided us with any information. Furthermore, we’re not even certain that he was aware of whom he was pardoning for any of those offenses.
How enforcement operations are being carried out by ICE.
Karl: I would like to share with you something that Joe Rogan, the podcast host, recently said regarding the way this is being done. Have a listen.
Joe Rogan, host of “The Joe Rogan Experience”: It’s horrifying to examine. It appears that you’re simply making arrests of regular people who have been here for 20 years, in front of their children. It is impossible for anyone with a heart to get along with that.
Karl: Do you think these ICE raids are going too far, or at least have the potential to go too far?
Johnson: Although I do think the rule of law is important, I think everyone is aware of the optics. And I think that the fact that the border was open for four years and that up to 20 million illegal aliens, many of whom were dangerous, hardened criminals, entered the country alarmed the American people.
Karl: You see people with families who have been in the country for 20 years or longer. People who have American citizens as spouses or children are subject to these rather harsh deportations.
Johnson: Indeed. Furthermore, nobody finds any joy in that. The dangerous and seasoned criminals have been ICE’s top priority. They have been making successful attempts to apprehend and return them home because there are likely a few million of those, okay?
if military activities in the Caribbean Sea worry him.
Karl: Because of the buildup around Venezuela, don’t you have questions for Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth about the situation there? These boats are being targeted. You have to have some questions, after all. We have questions, I know.
Johnson: The boats are being targeted? Fentanyl is being brought in by drug cartels in boatloads, which could kill hundreds of thousands of Americans. Our task is to restore –.
Karl: You’re not curious about their well-being.
