Saturday's nationwide "No Kings" protests saw a surprising new group joining the ranks—older demonstrators rallying under the self-styled banner “Grantifa,” a playful yet pointed moniker representing “Grandparents Against Fascism.” These senior activists were out in full force, adding an unexpected generational twist to the movement opposing President Donald Trump and his administration’s policies.
Shane Claiborne, an activist closely involved with the protests, shared an image of two older attendees holding signs reading “GRANTIFA: Grandpops Against Fascism” and “GRANTIFA: Grandmoms Against Fascism,” captioning it, “I met Grantifa today. We’re gonna be alright. #NoKings #NoKingsDayOct18th.” In Arizona, X user William Coffin posted a photo of two older women wearing blue “Grantifa” shirts with a bold message: “aka senior citizens against this bullsh*t,” signaling the growing presence of older Americans in the protest movement.
The “No Kings” protests, taking place in cities across the U.S., have been a showcase for a wide range of demonstrators opposing what they perceive as authoritarianism under President Trump. The events, which have seen everything from inflatable frog and dinosaur costumes to homemade signs, were joined by notable Democratic figures such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA), and former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-TX). Organizers claim the demonstrations are about promoting “power to the people,” though many critics argue they serve to amplify partisan political division.
Fox News Digital conducted an investigation into the funding behind the "No Kings" movement, revealing that it is backed by a network of Democratic-aligned nonprofits, labor unions, and political action committees. Some of these groups, according to the report, have connections to anti-Israel activism. The investigation also identified billionaire donor George Soros’s Open Society Foundations as providing substantial financial backing to the organizations involved. The findings have prompted Republican lawmakers, including Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA), to call for investigations into the funding of these protests.
Breitbart News previously reported that, unlike earlier protests dominated by younger crowds, the "No Kings" rallies have featured an increasing number of older participants. In Virginia, for example, many attendees were over 60 years old, holding signs that emphasized themes like Social Security, Medicare, and their opposition to what they see as the Trump administration's authoritarian policies. Interestingly, many of these protesters, even as they criticized the president, proudly displayed patriotic symbols, including American flags.
The rise of “Grantifa” comes amid heightened federal scrutiny of left-wing protest groups, particularly those associated with Antifa. President Trump formally designated Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization in September, citing its involvement in acts of violence, intimidation, and riots. The administration’s executive order directed federal agencies to investigate the group’s funding channels and dismantle its operations. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have pledged to use "the whole of the federal government" to target and disrupt the financing of such groups, signaling that the fight against these networks will be a top priority for the administration.
The "Grantifa" phenomenon and the broader "No Kings" movement highlight a key shift in the political landscape—older Americans, long seen as a more conservative demographic, are increasingly vocal in their resistance to the current administration’s policies. As the protests continue, it remains to be seen whether the “No Kings” movement will maintain its momentum, particularly as the Trump administration intensifies its crackdown on groups linked to political violence and extremism.
