7 Million Flood “No Kings” Rallies Peacefully — As Trump’s Bizarre AI Video & George Santos’ Release Spark Outrage
This weekend, America witnessed one of the largest single-day demonstrations in its history as 7 million people turned out for “No Kings” rallies across all 50 states. On Monday’s episode of The Late Show, host Stephen Colbert delivered a sharp and hilarious recap of the events, blending biting satire with genuine celebration of democracy in action. The episode also tackled President Trump’s bizarre AI video and the shocking commutation of George Santos’ sentence, painting a vivid picture of politics at its most surreal.
A Sea of Protesters: Peaceful, Joyful, and United
From major cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York to small towns in Idaho and Texas, Americans from every corner gathered to reject the notion of a monarchic presidency. Colbert noted, “You know New Yorkers are pissed when they voluntarily come to Times Square on a weekend.” The rallies were marked by humor and creativity, with costumes ranging from inflatable cows and penguins to frogs—now a symbol of resistance—and even a dancing poop doing the Macarena.
The homemade signs were equally clever:
– “Missing: Elected Republicans with a Spine”
– “Christine Noem is Like a Box of Chocolates: They’ll Both Kill Your Dog”
– “Epstein Files” carried in a box
– An elderly woman proudly identifying as “Grantifa”—the grandmother of Antifa
Colbert poked fun at the Republican predictions of chaos, noting that instead of violence, the rallies were “absolutely massive, peaceful, and joyful.” Even Bernie Sanders chimed in at the DC event: “Millions of Americans are coming out today not because they hate America. We’re here because we love America.”
Trump’s AI Video: Hate March in Digital Form
Not everyone was pleased by the “No Kings” message. President Trump responded in typically bombastic fashion, posting an AI-generated video of himself wearing a crown, flying a jet, and “strafing” New York City with feces. Colbert didn’t hold back: “King Trump crapping on America, which is insane, though I will grant factually accurate.” The video, both vile and violent, only underscored the rally’s point about rejecting authoritarianism.
Speaker Mike Johnson attempted to defend Trump’s post as “satire,” likening it to Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal.” Colbert’s response was scathing: “It is not but satire. Much like Jonathan Swift’s classic essay skewering the British treatment of Ireland’s poor.” The show drew a clear line: Trump’s video was not clever commentary—it was a one-man hate march.
George Santos: From Prison to Presidential Pardon
Adding another surreal twist, Trump announced the release of disgraced former Congressman George Santos, who had been serving a seven-year sentence for wire fraud and identity theft. Santos, after only 84 days behind bars, was granted clemency via Trump’s “royal decree.” Colbert mocked the justification: “He’s not a rogue. He’s a criminal. Jack the Ripper: something of a rapscallion. But there are many rippers out there, folks.”
Santos’ prison diary focused less on remorse and more on fashion complaints, with lines like, “Wearing a fluorescent yellow jumpsuit made me feel like a caution sign in human form.” Colbert joked, “Who can forget Nelson Mandela’s memoir, Long Walk to Nordstrom?”
Comedy as Catharsis: Democracy Marches On
Through sharp wit and relentless satire, Colbert’s show highlighted the absurdity and unpredictability of the current political moment. The “No Kings” rallies were a testament to the power of peaceful protest and creative dissent, defying GOP warnings and reaffirming America’s commitment to democracy. Meanwhile, Trump’s AI antics and Santos’ release served as reminders of the bizarre spectacle that politics has become.
Key Takeaways:
– 7 million Americans rallied peacefully, proving GOP fears unfounded and showcasing the joyful side of activism.
– Trump’s AI video was widely condemned as vile, further illustrating his disconnect from the values of dissent and democracy.
– The arbitrary commutation of George Santos’ sentence exemplifies the current administration’s unpredictable—and often theatrical—approach to governance.
In Colbert’s words, the vibe was “electric”—a sign that, even in the face of absurdity, the spirit of democracy remains strong, creative, and ready to answer the call.
