PBS Travel Star Leads ‘Hands Off! Protests in Washington With ‘Fat Boy Slim’ Inspired Jingle: ‘Tell Me What Democracy Looks Like?’

Even celebrities are joining the anti-Trump/Musk protests. Over the weekend, travel TV personality Rick Steves took to the streets of Washington to call out the government as part of the ongoing “Hands Off!” movement. As hundreds of people gathered in Edmonds to protest against Donald Trump and Elon Musk, the PBS star was not left out.

A viral video on TikTok showed the travel author leading the street demonstration with a megaphone in hand while he chanted an inspirational jingle for the rally. Steves wore a purple shirt tucked into blue denim and completed the look with black boots.

While the crowd marched down a walkway holding signposts, the author stood on a raised pavement and geared them on with his chant. He called out, “Tell me what Democracy looks like,” and the group responded, “This is what Democracy looks like!” 

Some of the signposts spotted in the clip read, “Hands off our rights,” “Send Musk to Mars now,” “Hands off Trans Rights,” and “Project 2026, Kick their Sorry Asses out.” At one point during the rally, the TV star even stomped his foot as he sang.

Steves is an activist and a renowned authority on European travel who helps Americans enjoy fun and affordable trips abroad. He is well known for his travel documentary program, Rick Steves’ Europe, which has aired 12 seasons since 2000.

Having lived in Edmonds as a child, the TV star established his company’s headquarters there. The organization produces TV shows, weekly public radio shows, and best-selling guidebooks. Additionally, Steves operates a thriving small-group tour program, guiding 30,000 travelers through Europe each year.

Within minutes after the footage was posted, netizens reacted to the clip, praising Steves. A user wrote, “The little foot stomp!! What an amazing human!!! A national treasure for sure!”

“Why does that feel like a Fatboy Slim music video?” observed a second Internet user and another replied, “Makes me wanna praise him like I should.”

A fourth person gushed, “I’ve appreciated this man since I was a little kid in the 80s. Now, for me, he’s in the company of Mr. Rogers, Steve Irwin, and Bob Ross. Badass, good men. Keep on being your badass self!”

A fifth person chimed in, “You know you f**ked up when Rick Steves is mad at you.”

Related: Hands off Illinois! Protesters Rally in Geneva Against Rising Economic Fears: ‘What Trump Is Doing Is Waking People Up’

More internet users commended the writer for standing up against the government. “This is epic. I would love to see more famous and influential people come out,” read a comment.

Rick Steves proves celebrities can get their boots on the ground just like everyone else!