President Donald Trump mocked the upcoming “No Kings” protests planned for this weekend and took direct aim at Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) over the ongoing government shutdown, saying Democrats have badly miscalculated their strategy.The nationwide demonstrations, organized by progressive groups, are expected to draw tens of thousands of participants across the United States. Organizers claim more than 2,500 rallies will take place in what they call a defense of democracy. But many Republicans have derided the events as “Hate America” rallies designed to undermine the administration.

During a preview clip of his upcoming interview with Fox News Channel’s Sunday Morning Futures, Trump dismissed the idea that the shutdown was linked to the protests and ridiculed those who describe him as a monarch.

“Some people say they want to delay it for that,” Trump told host Maria Bartiromo from the Oval Office. “A king! This is not an act.”When Bartiromo pressed him about the “No Kings” narrative, Trump smiled and brushed off the comparison. “They’re saying they’re referring to me as a king,” he said. “I’m not a king.”

The president then pivoted to the shutdown fight, accusing Schumer of political grandstanding at the expense of the American people. “Chuck is, you know, at the end of the line,” Trump said. “He’s being beaten by everybody that they pull against it. I don’t think it matters to him. I think he’s just so dead that he’ll do anything.”