Johnson Claims Shutdown May End After Planned Protest

By
Rachel Stevenson
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Here we go again — another “spontaneous” grassroots protest backed by polished talking points, glossy flyers, legal teams on standby, and songbooks. Yes, literal songbooks. Because nothing says organic uprising like pre-written chants and coordinated signage uploaded to a national Dropbox folder.

Welcome to the “No Kings” rally — the latest theatrical production from the professional outrage machine that claims to be defending democracy by, ironically, choreographing mass hysteria like a Broadway rehearsal for “Les Mis: Beltway Edition.”

But wait, it gets better. According to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Democrats may be dragging out the government shutdown not because they’re standing on principle — no, that would be too boring — but because they want it to climax right as the protest hits its stride this weekend. That’s right. The theory? They’re holding the budget hostage just long enough to weaponize the optics of furloughed park rangers and Medicaid recipients with hand-drawn “Democracy Dies in Darkness” signs outside the Capitol.

Now, is that theory far-fetched? Maybe. But let’s check the receipts.

The No Kings Toolkit (which, again, is a real document and not a satire from The Babylon Bee) encourages rally hosts to feature — and we quote — “laid-off federal workers,” “veterans,” and “people who rely on Medicaid.” Sounds less like a protest and more like a casting call. “Seeking: visibly sympathetic faces for maximum media impact. Must be willing to cry on camera.” And they’re not hiding it — “Shutdown” is listed right there as one of the main talking points.

Curious timing, no?

Even the internal planning materials make it painfully obvious: this isn’t a movement, it’s a campaign. They’ve got safety coordinators, press liaisons, and — my personal favorite — “jail support.” Because nothing says peaceful, non-disruptive protest like planning your own legal defense ahead of time. Kind of like bringing bail money to brunch.

And just in case you were worried that your local protest might seem a bit disorganized, don’t worry — there’s also a “Messaging and Media Training” Zoom on deck to help you “talk about your local No Kings movement” to the press. Because nothing says “grassroots authenticity” like being coached on how to speak from the heart by someone reading off a teleprompter.

Let’s also talk about this sudden obsession with the American flag. After years of mocking it, kneeling during the anthem, and dismissing patriotism as dog-whistle nationalism, the same crowd is now being told to reclaim the symbol. They’re literally being encouraged to wave the flag as a prop — not out of love for country, but because it photographs well. It’s marketing. It’s theater. It’s cosplay for the Resistance™.

Oh, and let’s not forget the encrypted messaging apps. Protesters are being instructed to use Signal and other encrypted tools to communicate. That’s right — nothing suspicious at all about thousands of people gathering in the name of transparency… while simultaneously sending each other encrypted texts about how not to get arrested.

Now, before anyone starts clutching pearls, yes, the First Amendment guarantees the right to assemble. But it doesn’t guarantee you the right to shut down cities, hijack public attention with choreographed rage, or use furloughed employees as political pawns while pretending you’re a populist uprising.

The kicker? President Trump’s response. Cool as ever. “I don’t feel like a King,” he shrugged. “I have to go through hell to get stuff approved.” That one line cuts through the melodrama like a hot knife through virtue-signaling butter.

So no, this isn’t some organic surge of democratic passion. This is a pageant. A scripted, focus-grouped, consultant-approved spectacle built for cameras, headlines, and social media clout. The kind of thing that doesn’t actually solve problems — just makes noise until the next fundraising email drops into your inbox with a big red button that says “DONATE.”

The real question now? Will Democrats finally cave after the protest, or are they holding out for an encore performance?

Either way, America’s patience is running out — and no, we’re not singing along.

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