A viral video circulating on TikTok has ignited a wave of controversy just days ahead of a planned national protest event called “No Kings Day,” scheduled for June 14, 2025. In the video, a self-identified TikToker claims they were offered $200 a day to participate in protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and former President Donald Trump’s deportation policies.
The alleged recruitment comes as organizers gear up for “No Kings Day,” a nationwide day of protest that coincides with Flag Day and is being billed by activists as a demonstration against what they call rising authoritarianism in the United States. According to the website NoKings.org, the event is meant to challenge the “militarization of public spaces” and highlight perceived injustices in the nation’s immigration system.
In the video shared by the TikTok user—and reposted on X (formerly Twitter) by the account @ImMeme0—the protest is described as having premeditated elements, including plans for “chaotic disruptions” and the suspicious placement of pallets of bricks near protest zones. The video has raised alarms over the possibility of orchestrated violence, sparking public concern and drawing sharp criticism from some political commentators.
“The fact that someone claims to be paid to participate in a protest, combined with reports of pre-positioned bricks, raises very serious questions about the intentions behind this event,” said Rep. Marjorie Keller (R-FL) in a statement Thursday. “This isn’t grassroots activism—it’s political theater with dangerous consequences.”
The TikToker further speculates that wealthy backers—possibly political donors or activist billionaires—may be funding the effort in an attempt to stoke unrest and influence public sentiment ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. While no direct financial links have been verified, the video has fueled debates about the influence of money in protest movements and the role of social media in shaping political action.
Organizers of “No Kings Day” deny any intent to incite violence. A statement from NoKings.org emphasizes that the protests are designed to be peaceful acts of civil disobedience, meant to call attention to what they describe as unjust immigration policies and the erosion of democratic norms under Trump’s leadership.
The protest comes amid broader political polarization, particularly around immigration and law enforcement. Trump’s recent push for stricter deportation protocols and his plans for a large-scale Flag Day military demonstration in Washington, D.C., have only deepened the divide.
New York City officials have acknowledged awareness of the planned protest and say preparations are underway to ensure public safety. NYPD sources told reporters that additional patrols will be deployed and that intelligence teams are monitoring online chatter for credible threats.
As the nation braces for what could be a volatile Flag Day weekend, questions about the authenticity of protest motivations, potential outside funding, and the fine line between activism and provocation remain at the center of public discourse.