Actor John Cusack is once again at the center of political conversation after his fiery remarks at the “No Kings” protest in Chicago went viral over the weekend. The “High Fidelity” and “Say Anything” star, long known for his outspoken political views, joined thousands across the country on October 18, 2025, to protest what organizers describe as the increasing authoritarianism of President Donald Trump’s administration. Cusack, a Chicago native and frequent critic of government overreach, spoke passionately about the city’s deep history of activism and defiance, delivering one of the protest’s most talked-about moments.

During a live CNN interview from the Chicago rally, Cusack didn’t mince words when asked about Trump’s recent deployment of Border Patrol and ICE agents to major cities, including his own. “Go to hell,” the actor said flatly, condemning what he called the president’s use of “masked goons” for immigration enforcement operations.

Speaking later to News 4 San Antonio, Cusack expanded on his frustrations, “It’s all upsetting. Seeing a sort of fascist authoritarian… cosplay that the right wing has been fooling around with for so long, seeing it devolve into the real thing is predictable, but deeply saddening.”

His unfiltered message to Trump quickly spread like wildfire across social media, with clips from the rally shared thousands of times on X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram.

The protests, part of a massive nationwide movement organized by groups like the ACLU, Indivisible, and 50501, saw more than 2,600 events take place across the U.S. and internationally, from New York to Los Angeles, uniting demonstrators under one powerful slogan “No Kings.”

Chicago’s “No Kings” rally was one of the largest in the country, with demonstrators flooding downtown streets carrying banners that read “Democracy — Not Dynasty” and “No King In Our House.” Protesters rallied against what they view as government corruption, power abuse, and a fundamental erosion of democratic values.

Cusack invoked Chicago’s labor-rights history, praising the city’s legacy of activism and resilience. “Chicago has always stood for progress, for resistance,” he said. “It’s not just about politics. It’s about protecting what this city has always represented: fairness and the fight for freedom.”

Cusack’s political activism is nothing new. Earlier this year, he made headlines for urging fans to boycott Trump’s presidential inauguration, calling it a “totally meaningless broadcast.” Over the years, he has used his platform to amplify causes related to labor rights, climate change, and government accountability, often clashing with conservative figures online.

The actor’s latest comments at the “No Kings” protest further solidify his place among Hollywood’s most vocal progressives, joining figures like Jane Fonda, Kerry Washington, and John Legend in advocating for democratic reform and civil liberties.

Eight-time Oscar nominee Glenn Close took to Instagram, sharing a striking photo of herself holding a handwritten sign that read, “No oligarchs. No dictators. No despots. No autocrats. No kings!!” In the caption, the Fatal Attraction star echoed the words of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, writing, “…that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from this earth.”

Meanwhile, Mark Ruffalo, one of Hollywood’s most vocal critics of the Trump administration, used Threads to amplify the rallies, shouting out “No Kings” protests in Gainesville, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, and New York City. The “Avengers” actor urged followers to stay active, reminding them that “democracy only works when we do.”

By the end of the weekend, organizers estimated that nearly seven million people had participated in “No Kings” demonstrations across the United States. From New York City’s Times Square to the streets of Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Miami, and Chicago, protesters flooded major landmarks holding signs that read “Democracy, Not Monarchy” and “The Constitution Is Not Optional.”

Despite warnings from Trump allies, who attempted to brand the demonstrations as “hate America rallies,” the events remained largely peaceful, according to organizers.