Retired Maj. Gen. Randy Manner condemned the narrative Republican leaders such as House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) are pushing against the anti-President Donald Trump “No Kings” protests being held across the nation, calling their words those of “dictators.”Progressive groups across the country organized the “No Kings” protests to be held on Saturday, the 18th day of the government shutdown, caused by an impasse between Republicans and Democrats over Affordable Care Act subsidies. The peaceful demonstrations, much like the one held this past summer, are critical of Trump and his administration’s agenda. "No Kings" protesters gather for a national day of demonstrations Saturday in Washington, D.C.AMID FARAHI via Getty ImagesRepublican leaders, including Johnson and Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), labeled the demonstration as the “hate America” rally, linking it to Hamas and antifa. “This ‘Hate America’ rally that they have coming up for Oct. 18, the antifa crowd and the pro-Hamas crowd and the Marxists, they’re all going to gather on the Mall,” Johnson said.The GOP leader’s outcry over the protests comes as White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the Democratic Party’s constituency “Hamas terrorists, illegal aliens and violent criminals,” further painting those who oppose the president as anti-American. Manner called the rhetoric pushed by Johnson and the other Republicans “absolutely total lies.”“Those are the words of dictators and people who want to stay in power and to suppress the First Amendment rights that we all should enjoy as Americans,” Manner said Friday on CNN’s “The Source with Kaitlan Collins” ahead of his speech at a Virginia “No Kings” protest. The officer went on to say that not only is the Republicans’ rhetoric about the “No Kings” demonstrations offensive to Americans, but it is also offensive to him and his military family, including his grandfather, who fought in World War II. “It’s the first amendment right, and we need to be proud that in the United States we do not at all rule from fear or force,” Manner said. “It is all about the concepts of liberty and being able to speak up when you disagree with the policies of those that are elected above us.” Close