The first wave of “No Kings” protests took place on June 14—coinciding with Trump’s 79th birthday and the 250th Anniversary Parade of the US Army. Protest organizers use the term “No Kings” to push back against what they view as Trump’s increasingly authoritarian political stance.

A second wave of protests reportedly saw nearly seven million participants across the country last weekend, according to the Independent.

Trump Dismisses Protests

Discussing these demonstrations, Trump told reporters: “I think it’s a joke. I looked at the people. They are not representative of this country.

“I looked at all the brand new signs I guess paid for by [George] Soros and other radical left lunatics. It looks like it was. We’re checking it out. The demonstrations were very small, very ineffective. And the people were whacked out.”

Critics Accuse Trump of Mixed Messaging

Despite the explanation, some observers believe Trump’s insistence that he is “not a king” contradicts his previous behavior.

One Twitter user wrote: “Not a king, huh? Yet you’ve shared images of yourself wearing a crown, called for loyalty oaths from federal employees, and pushed executive orders that bypass Congress. Working hard doesn’t erase the erosion of democratic norms. Actions speak louder than words, Mr. President.”

Another user mockingly posted an AI-generated image of Trump wearing a crown, commenting: “Love this tweet from @WhiteHouse.”

A third added: “‘I’m not a king’ says the guy who posted an AI video of himself in a crown shitting on protesters. What a time to be alive.”

Tyla has reached out to both the White House and Buckingham Palace for comment. As of now, neither has issued a statement regarding Trump’s remarks.