Key Takeaways:

• Many MAGA voices say No Kings protests have mostly older white people.
• Videos from Carrollton, Texas, show mainly boomers in attendance.
• Ted Cruz and Benny Johnson joked about the crowd age.
• Critics like Mehdi Hasan pointed out GOP complaints about old white people.
• The debate highlights a growing generational divide in MAGA events.

No Kings protests set off boomer debate

In towns across the country, new No Kings protests have drawn big crowds. However, some MAGA commentators now claim they see almost only older people. Videos from Carrollton, Texas, quickly went viral. In one clip, Tony Ortiz said, “It’s almost exclusively old white people.” Then Senator Ted Cruz shared that video, adding laughing emojis and the line, “Boomers gotta boom….” Soon, the chatter spread online and sparked a wider discussion.

Why are No Kings protests mostly older people?

The phrase “No Kings protests” refers to gatherings that criticize Donald Trump’s push to stay in power. Protesters believe no single person should act like royalty. Yet despite the movement’s youthful energy in some places, social media posts show many participants over 50. As a result, some MAGA voices refuse to take the crowd seriously. They argue the movement lacks fresh support.

Background of No Kings protests

First, it helps to know why people join No Kings protests. The movement began after the last election. Organizers fear another term of unchecked power. They demand free elections, checks on leaders, and peaceful transitions. In many cities, these rallies include speeches, signs, and chants. Next, they march to local landmarks. Finally, they wrap up by calling for law and order. Despite these clear goals, the age debate has taken center stage.

MAGA Voices Weigh In

Shortly after Ortiz’s Carrollton video, Senator Ted Cruz joined the fun. He reposted the clip and laughed at the crowd’s age. Then Democratic activist Michelle Kinney shot back with a playful jab. She wrote, “You ok pumpkin?” Meanwhile, Benny Johnson, another MAGA commentator, shared his own footage. He claimed no one under 50 was at the protests. On the other side, Brian Mistrot, a self-described “politically homeless conservative,” pushed back. He said most people were under 50 and told Johnson to keep telling himself otherwise.

Critics point out the irony of these attacks. Ex-MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan summed it up perfectly. He wrote, “Republicans are now complaining about old white people. Now I’ve seen everything lol.” Indeed, No Kings protests have always aimed to bring change, not to fit an age group. But now the crowd’s age has become the story.

Why might older people attend?

Several factors could explain why No Kings protests include many boomers. First, older voters tend to follow politics closely. They track news, join groups, and show up at rallies more than younger adults. Second, work and family life can make it hard for younger people to attend daytime events. Third, retirees often have more free time.

Moreover, some older participants see the protests as a duty. They view voting rights as part of their legacy. They once marched for other causes in the past. Now they feel called to protect democracy again. In addition, online groups targeting boomers have promoted local protests. Finally, word of mouth in neighborhoods can drive older crowds to one spot.

Generational Divide in Politics

Conversely, many young people prefer online activism. They tweet hashtags, make TikTok videos, and donate digitally. Thus, they are less visible at physical rallies. Yet that does not mean they don’t care. In fact, young organizers helped shape the No Kings message. They purely choose other protest styles or times.

Furthermore, generational gaps shape the debate. Baby boomers tend to favor in-person events. Gen Z and millennials move fast in digital spaces. Billion-dollar influencer networks can boost views in seconds. However, that speed gives less face-to-face interaction. As a result, images from the ground may show more boomers than younger faces.

Public Reactions and Online Buzz

Social media users quickly responded. Some laughed at GOP jokes. Others said age does not matter in a protest. In addition, critics called out the MAGA commentators’ tone. They pointed out that similar rallies by Democrats often include older adults too. Moreover, some wondered if the focus on age served as a distraction. They said the real issue should be the fight for fair elections.

Meanwhile, hashtags like #NoKings and #BoomerMarch trended briefly. Memes and reaction videos flooded timelines. Some posts combined historical protest photos with today’s scenes. They argued that every movement has its own mix of ages. They reminded everyone that civil rights marches of the 1960s had older allies too.

What Experts Say

Political analysts say this debate reveals deeper challenges for the MAGA base. First, they note that older voters already made up a big share of Trump’s supporters in the past. Next, they warn that a lack of younger supporters could weaken any movement long term. Finally, they add that focusing on who attends may distract from bigger goals. Those goals include clear policy messages and strong leadership.

On the flip side, some experts praise the boomers’ turnout. They view it as proof that older citizens remain politically active. They push back on any ageist tone, saying democracy needs all generations. Furthermore, they urge organizers to welcome both digital and in-person tactics. This mixed approach could draw more young people to local rallies.

Moving Forward

So what comes next for No Kings protests? Organizers say they will keep planning events in new towns. They aim for broad awareness and steady growth. Meanwhile, they hope to feature speakers from many age groups. They plan some evening marches to help younger folks join. In addition, they will boost online campaigns to match the real-world actions.

Moreover, the debate over boomers could prompt fresh strategies. If protests can attract more young people to the streets, they could gain more media attention. Also, they could bridge the generational gap by hosting meetups and training sessions. Thus, they can show they welcome everyone who values free elections.

Ultimately, the focus should return to the protests’ core message. Whether older or younger, participants want a fair system. They want leaders who follow the rules. They want peaceful transfers of power. In other words, they want no kings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the No Kings protests about?

No Kings protests call for checks on power and fair elections. Supporters fear any leader who acts like royalty. They want peaceful leadership changes.

Why do some say these protests have older participants?

Older adults often follow politics closely. They have more free time and see turnout as a civic duty. Meanwhile, younger people engage more online than in person.

What did Ted Cruz and other MAGA commentators say?

Senator Cruz shared a video, joking “Boomers gotta boom…” Others claimed they saw no one under 50 at the protests. Critics called this age focus ironic.

How have critics responded to the boomer debate?

Critics say focusing on age distracts from the real issues. They argue protests need all generations. They also note that past civil rights rallies included many older allies.