John Cusack Tells Trump to “Go to Hell” During Chicago ‘No Kings’ Protest
Actor John Cusack made headlines in Chicago after delivering a blunt message to President Donald Trump during a “No Kings” protest over the weekend.
Speaking with CNN at the event, the longtime Chicago native and outspoken activist didn’t hold back his feelings.
When asked what message he had for Trump, Cusack responded simply, “Go to hell.”
Cusack said the protest was deeply tied to Chicago’s long history of labor rights and activism. “What’s interesting is that he doesn’t understand that all the labor rights around the world came from this town, this place,” he told CNN. “So if he thinks this place is going to be a fascist hub — no chance.”
Actor John Cusack: “The whole country was founded on no kings. We have masked goons roaming the streets, hiding their faces, abducting people. Go to hell. If he thinks this place is gonna be a fascist hub, no chance” pic.twitter.com/AScmc0dA2e
— Marco Foster (@MarcoFoster_) October 19, 2025
The “No Kings” demonstrations, which took place in several cities across the country, were organized to show opposition to Trump and what protesters describe as authoritarian behavior by his administration.
Cusack explained that the slogan “No Kings” represents the country’s founding principles. “Everyone knows the score, right? The authoritarians divide and conquer and they create an ‘other’ and then they pick on it, pick on the person, harass them, jail them, and that’s all used as a direction so they can steal as much as they can [and] maintain power,” he said. “We all know history. So that’s what he’s doing, and we have masked goons roaming the streets, hiding their faces, abducting people.”
The “No Kings” movement first began earlier this year on Presidents Day, when demonstrators spoke out against the Trump administration’s proposed cuts to federal programs.
The campaign gained more national attention in June after Trump held a military parade in Washington, D.C., celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, an event that also happened to fall on his birthday.
Comedian Jimmy Kimmel later commented on the protests during his show, saying they echoed the spirit of the American Revolution. He described the rallies as a reminder that the U.S. was built on resistance to monarchy and unchecked power.
Cusack’s comments reflect the strong emotions surrounding the ongoing protests, which continue to draw both supporters and critics across the country.
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!