The leader of a national rent-a-crowd company is sounding the alarm that protest culture in the U.S. is now a target for exploitation by compensated agitators, money-driven groups, and even international players aiming to stir up discord.
Adam Swart, the CEO of Crowds on Demand, communicated to Fox News Digital that his firm has directly observed how protests can be hijacked by individuals seeking to “profit from chaos” instead of promoting legitimate civic causes.
“I’m worried there are entities — some local, possibly some international — that truly aim to fragment America,” Swart commented. “These aren’t actors aligned with the left or right. They’re individuals capitalizing on disorder.”
These comments arise as the nation braces for the “No Kings” protest scheduled on October 18, designed to criticize political elitism and excessive government control.
A demonstrator holds a sign during a “No Kings” protest in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
According to Swart, increasing political divisions have created an opportunity for opportunists — both within the country and abroad — who benefit from public outrage and turmoil.
“Each time there’s an event, accusations fly from both sides,” he remarked. “Those truly benefiting are those intent on splitting us apart. They prefer seeing Democrats and Republicans blaming each other rather than questioning who is truly reaping the rewards.”
Swart said he’s seen examples where the goal of protest activity was less about persuasion and more about generating viral conflict — an approach that, in his view, benefits those monetizing clicks, chaos and outrage.
His remarks echo recent U.S. intelligence warnings that foreign actors—particularly Russia, China and Iran—use disinformation to amplify divisive narratives in the U.S., and could try to spur unrest around major political events.
Demonstrators hold various signs including “The Power of the People” and “No Kings No Royalty” at a pro-democracy rally in Hancock Adams Common on April 19, 2025. (Erin Clark/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Swart also blamed major social-media platforms for monetizing outrage and accelerating polarization.
“They only make money when you’re doom-scrolling,” he said. “If people liked each other, Facebook and X would be a tenth of their size.”
He said the problem cuts across ideological lines and is driven by the economics of engagement rather than politics.
“People try to label Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg politically, but both make money off division,” Swart said. “It’s not about right or left — it’s about engagement.”
Swart said the exploitation of division has become a national security concern, warning that agitators and influence networks may be working to destabilize the country for profit or geopolitical gain.
“This is one of the greatest national security threats that we face — America coming apart,” he said. “The sources of it are not right or left. The sources are far more sinister than that.”
Swart emphasized that his warnings aren’t about any single protest or political movement but about a larger pattern — one where manipulation and misinformation can turn public expression into a tool for profit or chaos.
“The protest space has to be about purpose again,” he said. “If we don’t figure that out, we’re going to keep getting played by the people who thrive on conflict.”
Swart said he remains hopeful that awareness and transparency can help reduce the risks.
“Punch up, not down,” he said. “Let’s stop finger-pointing and start coalition-building.”
Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.
