Florida Governor Ron DeSantis took aim at the "No Kings" protest movement on Wednesday, asserting that the demonstrations "frequently display communist flags," which he believes will not resonate with Floridians.
On his X profile, DeSantis shared a video where a member of his team inquired: "Governor, what are your thoughts on the 'No Kings' rallies?"
In response, DeSantis dismissed the seriousness of these protests, emphasizing that the very act of holding such demonstrations proves there is no monarchy in the United States.
He further argued that attempting to sway public opinion in Florida by showcasing communist symbols is misguided, as such imagery tends to alienate voters in the state.
The protests that prompted his reaction occurred on Saturday, March 28, when millions mobilized at over 3,000 locations across all 50 states and internationally. This was described as the third national day of the movement, with participation estimates reaching up to nine million people.
In Florida, there were over 70 events, with gatherings in cities like Orlando, Sanford, Miami, and others.
Protest Motivations and Reactions
The demonstrations were driven by issues such as the conflict with Iran, rising fuel and food prices, and the Trump administration's deportation policies.
The presence of communist flags at these protests has also been highlighted by conservative media outlets.
Fox News conducted an investigation that identified 500 groups collectively earning around three billion dollars annually behind the protest calls.
Among the organizers are communist and socialist groups funded by Neville Roy Singham, a self-proclaimed communist businessman exiled in China, and the organization Indivisible, associated with financier George Soros, which led the main event's coordination in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Impact on Florida's Political Landscape
This ideological mix within the movement has provided ammunition for Republican figures like DeSantis to discredit the protests in front of the Florida electorate, a state with a significant community of Cuban, Venezuelan, and Nicaraguan exiles who are deeply sensitive to communist symbolism.
During the Miami protests, a Cuban woman confronted demonstrators on Calle Ocho, shouting "Down with communism!"—an episode that gained substantial attention.
Republican activist Justin Wilmeth described the presence of communist flags at the so-called "No Kings" protests as "high comedy."
DeSantis had previously warned in June 2025, amidst an earlier wave of protests by the same movement with more than 70 planned events in Florida, that he would respond firmly to any disturbances, vandalism, or attacks on police, vowing to "make an example" of those responsible.
His anti-communist rhetoric remains a staple in his political discourse, particularly significant in Florida due to the electoral influence of the Cuban-American community and other Latin American exiles who fled communist regimes.
Understanding DeSantis' Stance on "No Kings" Protests
Why does DeSantis criticize the "No Kings" protests?
DeSantis criticizes the protests because he believes the display of communist flags does not align with the values of Floridians and could alienate voters in the state.
What issues motivated the "No Kings" protests?
The protests were motivated by opposition to the conflict with Iran, rising fuel and food costs, and the deportation policies of the Trump administration.
Who are some of the key organizers behind the protests?
Key organizers include groups funded by Neville Roy Singham and the organization Indivisible, associated with George Soros.