Rep. Keith Self (R-TX-03) criticized an upcoming demonstration in New York City known as the “No Kings Rally,” calling it a “Hate America Rally” and asserting that it is backed by “hard-core radicals.”
The remarks come just days before coordinated “No Kings 2.0” rallies are scheduled across McKinney, Plano, and Farmersville, bringing the national movement directly into his North Texas district.
In a post Thursday on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Self wrote that the New York City rally—organized under the slogan “No Kings — No Troops in Our Cities, No Billionaires”—was supported by the Communist Party USA, the Freedom Socialist Party, and the Young Communist League, groups he described as “Marxist-Leninists” and “Trotskyist revolutionaries.”
Organizers of the New York event describe it as a peaceful protest opposing authoritarianism and concentrated wealth.
National Republican leaders have echoed Self’s language in recent days. House Speaker Mike Johnson called the “No Kings” demonstrations a “hate-America rally,” telling Politico that the organizers were “trying to divide the country under the guise of patriotism.”
Self’s comments reflect a widening national debate over whether the “No Kings” movement represents anti-American sentiment or legitimate civic protest — a question that now carries local significance as residents across Collin County prepare for weekend demonstrations.
Local Context and Political Implications
Self, now serving his second term in Congress, often emphasizes patriotism, faith, and national security in his public statements. His criticism of the “No Kings” movement follows earlier posts warning of what he calls “Marxist infiltration” in civic institutions.
Because Saturday’s “No Kings 2.0” events occur entirely within Texas’ 3rd Congressional District, many attendees will be Self’s own constituents. That overlap has prompted local discussion about whether the Congressman’s language effectively labels area participants as “anti-American” or “America-haters.”
TX3DNews has requested clarification from Self’s office on whether his comments apply to local residents and how he distinguishes between political dissent and anti-American activity. As of Friday morning, no response had been received.
Evan Hunt Pushes Back on ‘Divisive’ Framing
Democratic congressional candidate Evan Hunt, who is challenging Self in 2026, responded to the Congressman’s comments both publicly and in an email to TX3DNews, accusing him of spreading misinformation and division.
In a Facebook post reacting to Self’s tweet, Hunt wrote: “This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Keith Self continues to lie to his own constituents, demonize his opposition and spread fear and hate.”
In a follow-up email to TX3DNews, Hunt expanded on his criticism, saying:
“Keith Self is (once again) lying to his constituents, demonizing the opposition and leaning into a narrative of fear and division. In the tradition of our greatest American ancestors, We the People will continue to be Peaceful & Patriotic, Welcoming & Forgiving, Undaunted & Indivisible and Loud & Proud.”
Hunt’s remarks align with his campaign theme of “Service Before Self,” which emphasizes civic participation, integrity, and community leadership. He has attended previous No Kings events in North Texas and has described them as peaceful demonstrations rooted in democratic engagement and love of country.
Collin County Democrats Defend the Rally’s Purpose
Jeremy Sutka, chair of the Collin County Democratic Party, also rejected Self’s characterization of the No Kings movement, describing it as “a desperate and misleading tactic straight from the McCarthyism playbook.”
“Rep. Self’s attempt to label a peaceful protest against authoritarianism as a ‘Hate America Rally’ is designed to distract from the core, patriotic message of our event — that in America, we reject kings and uphold the principle that power derives from the people,” Sutka said.
He added that the coalition behind the movement reflects the broad concern about authoritarianism among Americans of different views. “While we do not endorse the platforms of every group that opposes Donald Trump, it is telling that ideologies normally at odds with each other, from socialists to conservatives, unite in recognizing this danger.”
Sutka said the rallies are lawful, peaceful assemblies intended to defend the First Amendment and the rule of law. “It is profoundly American to stand against concentrations of power,” he said, “and that is the patriotic message we will send on October 18.”
Regional Participation and Security Planning
Additional No Kings gatherings are planned across North Texas, including in neighboring counties. Local organizers have emphasized peaceful participation, respect for law enforcement, and adherence to city regulations during the events.
As of Friday morning, several hundred people had RSVP’d for Collin County rallies through Mobilize and affiliated community pages. Organizers have encouraged attendees to bring signs, water, and flags while maintaining a peaceful, non-confrontational atmosphere and focusing on unity rather than division.
Awaiting Official Comment
Rep. Self has not issued further statements beyond his posts on X. TX3DNews will update this report if his office provides additional comment or clarification.
Keith Self needs to go away, we need real leaders. Not Trump stooges!
It is really a lot of hate and pathetic and unpatriotic speech. Better use of your time would be to focus on American values, reopening the government with a goal of bringing people together rather than this continued ‘lack of diversity.’ President Donald Trump says they are radical left wing lunatics like weeds who won’t go away.
MAGA