Jon Stewart Calls Out Fox News Over Weak Response to “No Kings” Protests

On this week’s episode of The Daily Show, Jon Stewart delivered yet another unforgettable segment, this time turning his sharp wit on Fox News for what he called a “wishy-washy” reaction to the massive No Kings protests that took place over the weekend. The protests, which drew millions of Americans into the streets, were peaceful and highly organized—a fact that Stewart did not hesitate to highlight.

“It was honestly an incredible turnout—kind of inspiring, even,” Stewart said, leaning into the irony that was his signature style. “Seven million Americans, zero mass shootings?” He paused for effect before adding, “I’m really looking forward to Republicans sincerely apologizing for implying these Americans were… what’s the word I’m looking for? Deplorable!” The line drew laughter from both the live audience and viewers at home, but behind the humor lay a pointed critique about the way mainstream media, and Fox News in particular, frame public demonstrations.

Stewart’s commentary came at a time when political and media polarization has reached unprecedented levels. While millions of Americans took to the streets in what was widely described as a peaceful and well-organized protest movement, the coverage from certain outlets, Stewart argued, suggested something far less noble. “It’s fascinating to watch a media machine spin a massive show of civic engagement into something marginal or threatening,” Stewart noted. “Seven million Americans actively participating in democracy, and somehow it’s scary? That says more about the narrative than the protest itself.”

Throughout the segment, Stewart dissected clips from Fox News broadcasts, highlighting moments where anchors and commentators appeared baffled, dismissive, or downright contradictory in their reporting. He contrasted these reactions with footage of the protesters themselves—ordinary Americans, families, seniors, and young adults marching peacefully, holding signs, chanting slogans that were clear yet nonviolent.

“What’s striking is the consistency with which these outlets try to pit citizens against each other,” Stewart said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s millions of people exercising their First Amendment rights peacefully. The story they want to tell is one of chaos, extremism, or… whatever buzzword will get clicks and outrage.”

Stewart also took aim at political leaders who, he said, lean on media narratives to shape public perception. The former host pointed out that some Republican politicians had implicitly criticized the protesters, framing them as radicals or extremists, despite the overwhelming evidence of their peaceful intentions. “We need to ask ourselves: When millions of Americans stand up for something collectively and responsibly, why is the default response to vilify them?” Stewart asked, gesturing toward clips of politicians using loaded language to describe the protests.

The segment didn’t shy away from humor, either. Stewart’s delivery mixed biting satire with a genuine admiration for the civic engagement he witnessed. He joked about the absurdity of calling a massive, nonviolent protest “dangerous” while highlighting the fact that there were no incidents of violence or mass shootings. “Seven million people, zero mass shootings… that’s a success metric some networks apparently can’t comprehend,” he quipped, earning another wave of laughter.

But underneath the jokes, Stewart’s message was serious. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and respecting civic participation, particularly when it reflects values like nonviolence, organization, and solidarity. “This isn’t just about ratings or political bias,” he said. “It’s about understanding that democracy is messy, loud, and sometimes inconvenient—but it’s the very thing that makes these protests matter.”

For Fox News, the segment was a reminder of the scrutiny they face from critics who argue that media organizations have a responsibility to present factual and balanced coverage. Stewart’s critique suggested that failing to do so not only misinforms the public but also undermines the very democratic principles that allow protests like No Kings to happen in the first place.

As the episode wrapped up, Stewart left viewers with a challenge: to look beyond the headlines, the soundbites, and the partisan talking points. “Pay attention to what’s actually happening,” he urged. “Seven million Americans showed up this weekend and acted like citizens—peacefully, responsibly, and effectively. And if that doesn’t make you hopeful, I don’t know what will.”

In a media environment where sensationalism often trumps substance, Stewart’s segment served as a breath of fresh air—a mix of humor, critique, and a reminder of the power of civic engagement. Fox News may have tried to frame the story one way, but Stewart’s commentary reminded millions of viewers that the real story was in the streets, where ordinary Americans were proving that democracy, when practiced conscientiously, can indeed be inspiring.

Whether one agrees with Stewart’s politics or not, his ability to shine a spotlight on media inconsistencies remains undeniable. In this episode, he managed to blend humor, indignation, and earnest admiration for civic action in a way that entertained, informed, and challenged his audience—all within the span of a few minutes.

In the end, the No Kings protests—and Stewart’s commentary on them—highlighted something critical: democracy thrives when citizens participate, and media accountability matters now more than ever. And if nothing else, Stewart reminded viewers that seven million people showing up peacefully should never be labeled deplorable.