Montclair, New Jersey — Former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson returned to his hometown over the weekend to address the crowd at the No Kings Rally, delivering powerful remarks about democracy, civic engagement, and the growing concern over government overreach. Johnson, who led the Department of Homeland Security from 2013 to 2017 during the Obama Administration, spoke to attendees about the urgent need for Americans to defend democratic values and protect constitutional freedoms amid what he described as troubling developments in Washington.
In his remarks, Johnson condemned recent restrictions placed on journalists covering the Pentagon, a move that has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum. For the first time in more than six decades, multiple major media outlets have lost workspace access inside the Pentagon after refusing to sign new press agreements that many believe undermine First Amendment rights. Johnson expressed deep concern about what he sees as a dangerous precedent, warning that limitations on the free press are symptoms of a larger erosion of democratic norms.
“Like everyone else here, I love our country. I love our democracy,” Johnson told the Montclair audience. “And these folks assembled here today in peaceful protest want to turn anger into real action. In the face of criticism that gatherings like this are somehow threats — this is the core of America. Our nation was founded on protest, on the desire for freedom from a king. We naturally resist the rule of autocrats.”
The No Kings Rally drew a diverse crowd of local residents, students, and advocates, many carrying signs urging unity and civic participation. Johnson, a Montclair native, praised the town’s community spirit and its willingness to stand up for democratic ideals. “I’m proud of my Montclair community,” he said. “We’re going to channel this energy into action — away from apathy — and get people engaged in our democracy again.”
Johnson did not shy away from expressing his concerns about the broader political climate, pointing directly to what he considers some of the most serious issues facing the country: politically motivated prosecutions, limits on press freedoms, and a growing disregard for constitutional boundaries. He cautioned against the polarization that paints fellow Americans as enemies, emphasizing that democracy can falter when citizens are convinced to turn against one another.
“We face real threats — I’ve seen them firsthand,” Johnson said, reflecting on his tenure overseeing national security operations. “But we can’t confuse those who disagree with us politically with actual enemies. One of the ways democracy dies is when leaders persuade citizens that they live among enemies. That’s how division takes hold.”
The former Homeland Security Secretary’s speech resonated with many in attendance, especially as the political temperature continues to rise in New Jersey and across the nation. With the state’s gubernatorial election approaching, and former President Barack Obama’s recent endorsement of Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill adding momentum to an already heated race, Johnson’s words carried a clear message about civic responsibility and the need to defend democratic institutions at every level.
As the conversation around press freedom, political accountability, and civic engagement intensifies, Johnson’s remarks in Montclair served as both a warning and a call to action — urging citizens to stay informed, stay involved, and refuse to be complacent in the face of threats to democratic norms.
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Johnson’s message echoed through the crowd — a reminder that democracy depends not just on leaders, but on citizens willing to stand up, speak out, and participate in the ongoing work of preserving the freedoms that define the nation.
