As America braces for a weekend packed with protests and parades, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis isn’t mincing words.
With tensions rising over planned anti-Trump demonstrations—particularly those tied to immigration enforcement—DeSantis issued a strong warning to protesters and a very clear message to Florida drivers: protect yourself.
Telling Drivers to Defend Themselves
Speaking with political commentator Dave Rubin, DeSantis laid it all out.
If protesters block a street and threaten motorists, he says those behind the wheel have every right to prioritize their own safety—even if that means hitting someone while trying to flee.
“If you’re driving and a mob surrounds your car and threatens you, you don’t have to sit there like a sitting duck,” he said.
“If you drive off and someone gets hurt, that’s on them.”
His comments come as more protests flare up around the country, including recent anti-ICE clashes in Los Angeles.
Drawing a Line Against Street Takeovers
DeSantis didn’t hold back when drawing comparisons between himself and Democratic leaders like California Governor Gavin Newsom or L.A. Mayor Karen Bass.
For him, taking over public streets is unacceptable.
“You don’t have a right to commandeer roads,” he said.
“It disrupts people’s lives, it’s dangerous, and we won’t tolerate it in Florida.”
‘No Kings’ Movement Targets Trump Parade Weekend
The governor’s remarks come as “No Kings” protests are planned nationwide this Saturday.
Organizers are protesting what they see as a growing authoritarian streak in Donald Trump, especially as he prepares for a massive military parade in Washington, D.C. The event also coincides with Trump’s 79th birthday and the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.
Interestingly, organizers are encouraging protesters to stay out of D.C.—already secured with fencing and heavy police presence—and instead focus on demonstrations in cities like Philadelphia and suburban areas in Virginia and Maryland.
Tensions Rise Over Immigration Raids
Much of the protest energy has centered around Trump’s push for mass deportations, with opposition strongest in California.
Earlier this week, Los Angeles became a flashpoint during a series of anti-ICE demonstrations.
In response, Trump ordered California National Guard members to federal duty—despite Governor Newsom’s objections—and deployed active-duty Marines to the area.
The showdown marks another chapter in the ongoing power struggle between state leaders and the federal government.
Trump’s Love for Military Parades
The military celebration in D.C. is something Trump has been talking about since 2017.
After attending a Bastille Day parade in France, he became enamored with the idea of staging something similar in the U.S.
But cost concerns and fears of tank damage to D.C. roads shelved the plans during his first term.
Now, as the U.S. ramps up for its 250th anniversary of independence in 2026, the former president has seized the moment.
Saturday’s parade is expected to kick off more than a year of patriotic displays, and Trump’s longtime dream of a showy military event is finally becoming reality.
Royal Imagery Sparks Fresh Criticism
While Trump publicly rejected being labeled a “king” this week, he hasn’t exactly shied away from regal symbolism.
Back in February, after his administration intervened to stop New York City’s congestion pricing plan, he posted an AI-generated image of himself dressed as a monarch. The caption read: “Congestion pricing is dead.
Manhattan, and all of New York, is saved. Long Live The King!”
And that wasn’t the only royal-themed post.
A fake Time magazine cover with Trump smiling under a golden crown also made the rounds on official channels.