1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

Speaker Johnson’s characterization of the October 18 No Kings rally as a “hate America rally” composed of “terrorists” is dangerous, divisive, and fundamentally un-American. This peaceful demonstration is organized by a coalition of over 200 groups including the ACLU, American Federation of Teachers, and Veterans For Responsible Leadership. The previous No Kings protest on June 14 drew over 5 million Americans in 2,100 cities exercising their First Amendment rights without violence. Labeling millions of citizens as “terrorists” for protesting government overreach is authoritarian rhetoric that belongs in Putin’s Russia, not the United States. Republicans and Democrats alike should reject this assault on constitutional freedoms. I demand you publicly condemn this dangerous language and call for national unity instead of vilification. When elected officials smear peaceful protesters as enemies of America, they erode the very foundation of our democracy. The right to assemble and petition our government is not terrorism. It’s patriotism. You took an oath to defend the Constitution, not to demonize citizens who exercise the rights it protects. Stand up for democratic values and demand your colleagues stop using authoritarian talking points against Americans who simply want their voices heard.