WASHINGTON – House Speaker Mike Johnson has claimed that an organization plans to host an anti-American rally in D.C. next weekend. 

In reality, the rally is being called a “Remove the Regime March,” and is being promoted by the “No Kings” group, which previously organized peaceful protests across the nation over the summer opposing President Donald Trump and his administration’s policies. Those demonstrations also coincided with the Army’s 250th anniversary parade, Flag Day, and Trump’s birthday.

What he said:

“They have a ‘Hate America’ rally that’s scheduled for Oct. 18 on the National Mall,” Johnson claimed. “It’s all the pro-Hamas wing and, you know, the ANTIFA people. They’re all coming out. Some of the House Democrats are selling T-shirts for the event, and it’s being told to us that they won’t be able to open the government until after that rally because they can’t face their rabid base.”

The House speaker made the comments during an interview with FOX News. He has been speaking almost daily as the government shutdown continues. 

READ MORE: Republican Speaker Mike Johnson cancels House votes for next week amid shutdown

What they’re saying:

The “Remove the Regime March,” organized by the No Kings movement, is reportedly going to be held on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

“NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together,” the description of the event reads. 

READ MORE: ‘No Kings’ demonstrations sweep DC region and cities nationwide

“The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings, and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty,” the organization wrote on its website. “We will carry the spirit of 1776 forward and show that the American Revolution lives on,” the group went on to say.

The group says they will be marching straight down 14th St., NW, down to the Washington Monument. 

Dig deeper:

Johnson’s comments came as he was discussing the ongoing government shutdown, which is causing frustration on both sides of the aisle. 

It’s now been 10 days since the shutdown began and there’s been no consensus between Democrats and Republicans on the continuing resolution needed to fund the government. 

Friday was the first day that some government employees missed their first paycheck. It’s causing growing concern as some wonder just how long this will last. 

Additionally, the Trump administration said on Friday that some furloughed federal workers are being fired “as a direct consequence” of the government shutdown, but they did not clarify how many employees or which agencies were being hit hardest.

More planned:

There are several marches listed on the No Kings website that have varying times. 

One says it will take place at Pennsylvania Ave. and 3rd St. NW, from 12 p.m to 2 p.m. 

Another is targeted toward northern Virginia residents, backed by We of Action VA. Those organizers say their demonstration will begin at 10:45 a.m. and go until 3 p.m. They say their metering point will be at the Smithsonian Metro exit. 

No matter what, it’s expected that D.C. will see widespread protests on Saturday. 

The groups are asking all participants to avoid conflict or escalation with those who “disagree with our values.” They also ask that all attendees act lawfully and do not bring any weapons of any kind — even if they are legally permitted — to the event.

WASHINGTON D.C. – As the government shutdown drags on, many furloughed workers are left without a two-week paycheck and with concerns about how they will put food on the table and pay bills. 

What we know:

After seven failed attempts, the Senate will not vote again this week and lawmakers aren’t expected back until Tuesday. The shutdown will stretch into another week.   

About 750,000 federal employees have been furloughed since the shutdown began a week ago. Friday marks the first day furloughed workers will go without a two-week paycheck. 

Lawmakers have until Monday, Oct. 15, to process military payments, or servicemembers may not get paid as well. 

What you can do:

With no end in sight, many are starting to grow worried about how they will make ends meet.  

Many furloughed workers in the DMV are living paycheck to paycheck and will not receive a paycheck until after the shutdown has come to an end. And even that is in limbo, after an OMB memo earlier this week claimed that backpay for federal workers is not guaranteed, despite a 2019 law. 

In the meantime, local governments and companies are stepping up their efforts to help furloughed federal workers with things such as food and bills during this time. 

Assistance with food

D.C. :

Capital Area Food Bank CEO Radha Muthiah says, “We are here to help you. “And our network is here to support you. We’re a community that takes care of one another.”

If you have concerns about food insufficiency, go to capitalareafoodbank.org to find a distribution site near you.

Maryland :

Maryland food bank says, “Our network of community partner organizations will be able to provide nutritious food at no cost to federal employees, people who work for federal contractors, and other individuals impacted by the shutdown.”

Please visit the Maryland Food Bank’s Find Food search tool to locate a food pantry in your area.

Virginia :

Local food pantries in Virginia have prepared themselves for the spike in demand as the shutdown continues.

The Chesterfield Food Bank Outreach Center holds a food distribution every 1st and 3rd Friday at its Chester location. Several distributions are also held throughout the month at other locations.

Assistance with money and bills 

D.C. :

Pepco, the major electric company in the capital region, is offering payment plans to help fed workers pay their bills.

“We’re offering flexible payment arrangements, so that basically means that a customer can sign up for this, and it stretches that bill out into payment arrangements for up to a year so that helps,” Pepco spokesperson Chuck McDade said.

If you would like to be a helping hand, Pepco has made it easier through, “The Gift of Energy,” which will allow anyone to make a payment toward a friend or family member’s energy bill, if they’re having trouble making that payment themselves.

Maryland :

If you’re an essential federal employee working during a federal government shutdown without pay, you may be eligible for a one-time, no-interest loan through Maryland’s Federal Shutdown Loan Program.

The Federal Shutdown Loan Program offers a zero-interest $700 loan to applicants who are residents of the state of Maryland, are current federal employees; and are designated as “excepted” employees, who must work through the shutdown without pay.

The loan is to be repaid within 45 days after the shutdown ends.

The online application portal is open now.

Prince George’s County Council is set to take up the Federal Worker Emergency Assistance Act on Tuesday.

The legislation would offer priority hiring in county government for laid-off federal workers, incentives for local businesses to hire them, and expanded food assistance for affected families.

Virginia :

Officials are reminding federal workers of state laws feds from eviction or foreclosure during a shutdown.

Federal employees and contractors can’t be evicted or foreclosed on during a federal government shutdown, under state law.

The City is offering short-term relief opportunities and resources, and connecting impacted residents and businesses to available resources.