No Kings Protest Donor List Goes Viral, Sparks Widespread Backlash

The second ‘No Kings’ protest drew an enormous crowd of nearly seven million people. Demonstrators gathered across the United States on October 18 to voice their opposition. According to CNN, the event saw participation from over 2,700 cities and towns.

The massive turnout occurred alongside a controversial AI video from former President Donald Trump. The video depicted him on a fighter jet, targeting demonstrators. Amid this charged atmosphere, an alleged list of the protest’s donors began circulating online, igniting a firestorm.

Alleged Donor Information Circulates Online

Florida Representative Anna Paulina Luna shared the list on social media platform X. She sarcastically commented on the protest’s organic nature. Her post was followed by a winking emoticon, suggesting disbelief.

The list itself has not been independently verified. Luna also amplified a claim from Seamus Bruner, a researcher with a conservative think tank. Bruner alleged that nearly $300 million was funneled to organizers through “dark-money networks.”

Online Outrage and Fact-Checking Response

The viral post sparked immediate and intense backlash online. Many commenters expressed anger, with some mistakenly believing individuals were paid to attend the protests. One user questioned why no one had come forward if payments were involved.

Fact-checking services quickly addressed the claims. The AI assistant Grok noted there is no verified evidence that individual protesters were paid to attend. It clarified that while large progressive networks coordinated the events, funding typically covers logistics and promotion, not per-person compensation.

The scale of the protest indicates significant genuine public mobilization. Despite the online controversy, the movement’s popularity appears to be growing. The latest protest reportedly attracted two million more participants than the first demonstration held in June.

The viral spread of an unverified donor list has fueled significant political debate. The backlash highlights the deep divisions in the current American political landscape. The situation surrounding the No Kings protest donor list continues to develop.

Info at your fingertips

What was the ‘No Kings’ protest about?

The protest was a nationwide demonstration against the policies and administration of former President Donald Trump. It was the second such event, building on a previous protest held in June.

Who shared the alleged donor list?

Florida Republican Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna posted the list on her X account. The information she shared has not been independently verified by news outlets.

How many people attended the protest?

CNN reported a turnout of nearly seven million people across the United States. This figure represents participation from over 2,700 different cities and towns.

Were protesters paid to attend?

There is no verified evidence that individuals were directly paid to protest. Fact-checkers state that while organizations receive grants for logistics, they do not typically pay attendees.

What has been the response to the viral list?

The list caused massive backlash online, with many users expressing outrage. The response often included misconceptions about the nature of the funding for such large-scale events.

Trusted Sources

CNN
Reuters