Hogwash: AG slaps down GOP official's fear-mongering over No Kings protests

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said Friday that President Donald Trump and his supporters were attempting to stir up anxiety, fear and violence ahead of the planned weekend No Kings protests, all under the guise of provoking a federal law enforcement response.

That statement, issued Friday in a news release from Nessel’s office, was evidenced by a bizarre statement made by a local Metro Detroit GOP official, who warned in a vague email that left-wing agitators were planning to infiltrate and derail Saturday’s protests in Michigan.

More than 100 communities from southeast Michigan to the westernmost part of the U.P. are set to hold “No Kings” rallies in support of civil rights, democracy and the rule of law. The protests are expected to attract millions of people nationwide to speak out against the Trump administration and the numerous anti-democratic policies enacted by his office in his second term.

A large turnout on Oct. 18, across the state and nation, would be the biggest litmus test yet for the growing movement against the Trump administration. As such, various far-right pundits, members of the Republican Party and the White House itself have been attempting to blunt that momentum by warning that members of the loosely organized antifascist Antifa movement and other left-wing agitators were planning to cause trouble.

On Thursday evening, Oakland County GOP Chair Vance Patrick joined them in stirring the pot with an email containing unsubstantiated and unsourced claims that an incoming “mobilization” of left-wing trouble makers were headed for Michigan’s protests.

Patrick and the county’s GOP branch said it believed that included “the Communist Party USA, the Freedom Socialist Party, and the Democratic Socialists of America.” Patrick and his office also claimed that those groups have a history of causing unrest in communities.

Again, Patrick did not point to any credible threat issued by law enforcement, nor any credible news source indicating that such a situation was occurring.

Still, Patrick doubled down, claiming that attendees at earlier No Kings rallies held in June called for Trump’s assassination or violence against law enforcement.

“Our county will not be intimidated by organizations whose only aim is to sow chaos and division,” Patrick said. “The Oakland County Republican Party stands for law and order, and we reject the radical and violent tactics that have become the hallmark of the No Kings movement and its extremist sponsors. It is time for everyone, regardless of political affiliation, to denounce violence and work toward a safer, more united community.”

Patrick also said that conservative activists had expressed an interest in forming a counter-demonstration, but the Oakland GOP was recommending that they avoid the protest due to concerns for their safety.

“Our first priority will always be the safety and well-being of our supporters,” Patrick said. “We strongly urge everyone to stay away from these events and to avoid any confrontations that could put you in harm’s way.”

On Friday, Christine McGillivray, executive director of Voters Not Politicians, one of the organizers of the Michigan protests, reiterated that the movement was peaceful and the demonstrations would remain that way. In a statement to Michigan Advance, McGillivray also responded directly to Patrick’s veiled warning.

“All across our state, your neighbors will be waving flags alongside children and their grandparents. We love this country, but are alarmed at what the Trump Administration is doing – using the military against US citizens, masked agents abducting people off the streets, prosecuting his political opponents,” McGillivray said. “These things are totally un-American. Smearing tens of thousands of Michiganders standing up for our rights is quite sad. But don’t take my word for it – do your own research! Come visit a No Kings demonstration and make up your own mind. There are more than 100 across the state, so there’s certainly one near you.”

Several thousand people gathered at the Michigan Capitol in Lansing for a “No Kings Day” rally and protest. June 14, 2025 | Photo by Ben Solis

Nessel also responded, encouraging people from all walks of life to show up and have their voices heard in the face of growing authoritarianism from Trump and his supporters.

“The No Kings protests happening across Michigan and the country are powerful opportunities for people to make their voices heard,” Nessel said. “I encourage everyone who wants to participate to make signs, bring your friends, and stand together for what you believe in.”

Nessel also called out officials and pundits, like Patrick and others on social media, for trying to cause a panic that would ultimately give the Trump administration the justification it would need to step in and crack down on the First Amendment rights of millions of protesters.

“At the same time, we have seen a troubling pattern wherein the Trump Administration and his supporters are already attempting to squash the movement’s momentum and scare attendees by predicting violence and labeling this legal protest an act of terrorism,” Nessel said. “We know from this Administration’s actions from coast to coast that they are looking for any reason to invoke the Insurrection Act. We must deny them that justification and protest peacefully and lawfully.”

The attorney general also asked all those who attend to remember the core values of the nonviolent protest movement, as acting otherwise would be antithetical to “responsible civic engagement.”

“When protests turn chaotic, our voices are drowned out, the safety of protestors and public safety officers may be jeopardized, and it hands the White House the excuse they so badly want to abuse and test the limits of their constitutional authority,” Nessel said.