House Speaker Mike Johnson escalated his critique of the "No Kings" protests on ABC's "This Week," labeling the demonstrations as Marxist maneuvers designed to distract from the current government shutdown. The protests, which unfolded in cities across the United States on Saturday, were aimed at opposing perceived authoritarian tendencies of President Donald Trump.

In an interview with Jonathan Karl, Johnson described the nationwide rallies, which drew nearly 7 million participants according to organizers, as a political stunt orchestrated by Democrats. "They needed a stunt, they needed a show. Chuck Schumer has—needs cover right now. He’s closed the government down because he needs political cover, and this was a part of it,” Johnson stated.

Despite acknowledging that the rallies were peaceful and constituted a free speech exercise, Johnson criticized the tone and content of the messages displayed at these events. “We have video and photos of pretty violent rhetoric, calling out the president, saying fascists must die and all the rest. I mean, I don't think that's loving speech. I don’t think that’s friendly speech. And I don’t think it’s pro-American to say those kinds of things,” he elaborated.

The "No Kings" rallies, which occurred in an estimated 2,700 locations, featured demonstrators in colorful costumes, some dancing and displaying signs that criticized the Trump administration. These events marked the third major public response to Trump’s policies since his return to office in January.

Johnson, who has been a vocal opponent of the rallies, previously aligned them with anti-American sentiments, even linking them to groups like Hamas and antifa. He continued this narrative by asserting that the protests promote a dangerous, anti-American ideology.

"The irony of the message is pretty clear for everyone. If President Trump was a king, the government would be open right now,” Johnson added, referencing the ongoing government shutdown initiated under the Democrat-led Senate.

The demonstrations and Johnson’s subsequent comments highlight a deepening rift over the interpretation of free speech and the role of protests in democratic society. Johnson concluded his remarks by emphasizing the perceived threat of the protesters' ideology: “It's not about the people, it's about the message. It's about the ideology. It is a dangerous ideology, and it is anti-American. It goes against everything that we stand for."

As the nation continues to grapple with these ideological clashes, the role of public demonstration and political discourse remains at the forefront of national debate.