In recent times, the bustling energy from certain corners of the country feels less like grassroots activism and more like a full-blown industry dedicated to the art of protest. As much as we’d love to believe that all of these gatherings are simply citizens spontaneously uniting for a cause, the reality might be a bit more orchestrated. There’s been quite a stir regarding the so-called “No Kings” protests, and upon closer inspection, it’s almost laughable how these events are stitched together with a level of production that rivals a Broadway show.
A deep dive into the weeds of this movement reveals a vast network of more than 260 organizations, all seemingly working under the radar to stage what is essentially political theater. These organizations cleverly exploit the tax codes, using nonprofit statuses to navigate through a system that that was surely never designed for such antics. One might even say these groups have perfected the art of living rent-free and tax-free while pushing their political agenda. And who, you might ask, is pulling the strings? Surprise, surprise—some familiar names pop up, including funding from the likes of the George Soros Foundation.
The fun doesn’t stop there. Many of these organizations proudly flaunt names like “Resist Trump,” which makes their objectives blatantly obvious. It’s a curious mix of groups with innocuous titles to those that openly shout their mission from the rooftops. The plot thickens when considering how these organizations have mastered the ability to mingle “social welfare” with political activism, shielded from the discomfort of revealing their donor lists. It’s dark money at its peak performance, and it seems they’re taking full advantage of every loophole available, all while maintaining their innocent facade.
The true irony here lies in the protestors’ rhetoric, eternally chanting about democracy and what it supposedly looks like. Yet, their protest action stands in stark contrast to democracy, which was displayed quite clearly in the previous electoral college map and results. The protests seem less about a vast democratic movement and more about disgruntled groups unable to accept the current state of affairs post-election. It’s a bit rich to see them waving the flag of democracy while simultaneously demonstrating against its outcome.
Ultimately, while the protests may give an impression of something significant, they are unlikely to yield any substantial changes. There’s a humorous element in the naming of their events, such as “No Kings,” which insinuates a parody more than a serious political rally. After all, no one genuinely believes Donald Trump is attempting to launch a monarchy. The events are less about effecting real change and more about creating a spectacle for drama’s sake. It’s a bit of theater meant to entertain the choir while the rest of the country watches, bemused, at the dramatic performance unfolding.
