State Representative Justin Wilmeth (R-2) mocked the "No Kings" protests held over the weekend on social media, calling them "high comedy," particularly as Communist imagery was present at one such demonstration.
Demonstrations against the Trump Administration took place in numerous U.S. cities on Saturday, including Phoenix. In New York City, conservative journalist and internet personality Eyal Yakoby shared footage of demonstrators waving red flags with the hammer and sickle, the Communist insignia.
"BREAKING: In NYC at the 'No Kings' rally, demonstrators waved Communist flags. No kings, but yes Communist dictators," said Yakoby.
Like Yakoby, State Rep. Wilmeth noted the irony of people demonstrating support for a highly authoritarian ideology in opposition to perceived authoritarianism, especially as protests would not be allowed in Communist regimes.
"This is high comedy to me," Wilmeth said, "Protest? Absolutely - do your thing. I'll always support that regardless of if I agree with the reason."
Moreover, he continued, "But at least understand what the hammer and sickle truly stands for - the deaths of over 100 million people at the hands of violent dictators who would kill them for doing what they’re doing right now."
CNN's Scott Jennings similarly noted the irony of the demonstrators freely engaging in protests despite arguing the Trump Administration is authoritarian, saying, "That's a lot of free speech for a country with a king."
In addition, he further mocked not only the Communist imagery, but also emphasized how "I saw Hezbollah flags. I saw Hamas flags. I saw Palestinian flags. I saw trans signs. I see weirdo liberal boomers out there. This is pretty representative of the Democratic coalition. And that's who funds it as well, by the way."
Summer 2025 saw demonstrations against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) turn into riots in Los Angeles, which Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ) argued was not grassroots, calling for criminal investigations into their supposed organizers, saying, "that this is highly coordinated, and that there is money behind this."
