President Donald Trump mocked the upcoming “No Kings” protests planned for this weekend and took direct aim at Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) over the ongoing government shutdown, saying Democrats have badly miscalculated their strategy.The nationwide demonstrations, organized by progressive groups, are expected to draw tens of thousands of participants across the United States. Organizers claim more than 2,500 rallies will take place in what they call a defense of democracy. But many Republicans have derided the events as “Hate America” rallies designed to undermine the administration.
During a preview clip of his upcoming interview with Fox News Channel’s Sunday Morning Futures, Trump dismissed the idea that the shutdown was linked to the protests and ridiculed those who describe him as a monarch.
“Some people say they want to delay it for that,” Trump told host Maria Bartiromo from the Oval Office. “A king! This is not an act.”When Bartiromo pressed him about the “No Kings” narrative, Trump smiled and brushed off the comparison. “They’re saying they’re referring to me as a king,” he said. “I’m not a king.”
The president then pivoted to the shutdown fight, accusing Schumer of political grandstanding at the expense of the American people. “Chuck is, you know, at the end of the line,” Trump said. “He’s being beaten by everybody that they pull against it. I don’t think it matters to him. I think he’s just so dead that he’ll do anything.”
The comments come as the partial government shutdown — driven by a budget impasse between the Republican-led Congress and Senate Democrats — continues to squeeze federal operations. The standoff has centered on spending priorities, immigration enforcement, and foreign aid programs that Trump says he intends to reduce or eliminate.“They made one mistake,” Trump said. “They didn’t realize that that gives me the right to cut programs that Republicans never wanted — giveaways, welfare programs, et cetera. And we’re doing that. We’re cutting them permanently.”
According to the president, one of those cuts includes a $20 billion infrastructure project that Schumer had long championed. “We’re cutting a $20 billion project that Schumer fought for 15 years to get,” Trump said. “And I’m cutting the project.”
Administration officials have not specified which project the president was referring to, but Schumer has been a strong advocate for major public works in New York, including transportation and housing initiatives.
Meanwhile, Trump revealed Friday that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has “offered everything” in a desperate attempt to persuade the United States to halt military operations targeting suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean.
The President made the blunt remark using the “f-bomb” during a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, responding to a question about reports that Maduro had tried to open back-channel negotiations.
“It’s been reported, Mr. President—it has been reported that Maduro offered everything in his country, all the natural resources,” one reporter asked. “He even recorded a message to you in English recently, offering mediation. What could he do in order to stop that?”Trump, known for his unfiltered style, did not mince words.
“He has offered everything. He’s offered everything. You’re right. You know why?” the President replied. “Because he doesn’t want to f*** around with the United States.”
The comment drew gasps from the press corps and laughter from some members of the administration seated nearby. It also underscored the growing tension between Washington and Caracas as U.S. forces intensify operations against what the administration calls “narco-terrorist” networks operating from Venezuelan waters.
Trump’s remarks came as American warships and aircraft continue to carry out strikes on boats suspected of transporting cocaine and other narcotics across the Caribbean Sea. Administration officials say the effort has disrupted major drug-smuggling routes and crippled organizations tied to the Venezuelan regime.