The head of a national crowd-for-hire firm is warning that America’s protest culture has become a target for exploitation — by paid agitators, profit-driven interest groups and even foreign actors seeking to fuel division.

Adam Swart, CEO of Crowds on Demand, told Fox News Digital that his company has witnessed firsthand how demonstrations can be co-opted by people “making money off chaos” rather than advancing genuine civic causes.

“My concern is that there are forces — some domestic, some maybe foreign — that actually want to pull America apart,” Swart said. “These aren’t left or right actors. They’re people making money off chaos.”

His remarks come as organizers prepare for the “No Kings” protest, a nationwide demonstration planned for Oct. 18 that is expected to denounce political elitism and government overreach. 

A demonstrator holds a sign during a “No Kings” protest in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Swart said growing political polarization has created fertile ground for opportunists — both domestic and foreign — who thrive on outrage and confusion.

“Every time there’s an incident, both sides start finger-pointing,” he said. “The real winners are the ones trying to divide us. They want Democrats and Republicans blaming each other instead of asking who’s profiting from it.”

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.