thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-01--Trump Justice Department Gears Up For War On Antifa ‘Terrorists'

President Donald Trump and his administration are increasingly blaming antifa , a loosely organized anti-fascist group , for violence at protests across the country against police brutality and racism .
The president tweeted Sunday that antifa will be labeled a terrorist group , and on Monday he vowed to use the military and the Justice Department to aggressively crack down on “ terrorist ” protesters .
The Justice Department , led by Attorney General William Barr , is following the president ’ s lead .
Federal prosecutors are gearing up to use available laws , including one a federal judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on violent demonstrations and seem poised to follow an aggressive prosecution model they used against even nonviolent protesters arrested during Trump ’ s 2017 inauguration .
But the federal government can ’ t just treat members of a domestic movement the way they ’ d treat al Qaeda because the president declares them terrorists via tweet , and there are a limited number of federal laws that apply to specific conduct during protests .
Past federal efforts to prosecute alleged rioters have been tossed out by judges or lost at trial .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are devoting federal law enforcement resources to investigating antifa ― and publicly declaring the loose organization guilty before the investigation has taken place ― could have a chilling effect on protesters , distract from the racial justice message and , potentially , mire individuals in years-long court proceedings even if they weren ’ t involved in violence at all .
Barr ― who stood behind a police line near the White House on Monday evening as law enforcement prepared to violently clear the area for a presidential photo-op in front of a church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was working with 56 regional FBI Joint Terrorism Task Forces ( JTTF ) to “ identify criminal organizers and instigators ” as well as coordinate federal resources with state and local law enforcement .
“ Reporting from various protests around the country suggests outside groups , rather than local community members , have in some instances instigated destruction of property and violence , but the same reporting has suggested that some of this is being perpetrated by far-right extremist groups , ” McCord said .
“ It is irresponsible to cast blame on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigations are just beginning.
” Even so , McCord said that she believes Trump might indeed issue an executive order and emergency declaration that designates antifa as a domestic terrorist organization , though that has little practical effect .
Domestic organizations , including those with extensive histories of terrorist activity , such as the Ku Klux Klan , are ― unlike designated foreign terrorist organizations ― protected by the First Amendment .
A Justice Department spokeswoman did not respond to a request for comment about Trump ’ s call to designate antifa as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Justice Department “ WILL be enforcing ” laws that make it “ a federal crime to cross state lines or to use interstate facilities to incite or participate in violent rioting.
” Barr told governors that there were several federal charges that could be brought , including charges against anyone who crossed state lines to participate in rioting and charging “ anyone who uses any interstate facility ― including telecommunications , vehicles , roads , whatever ― in connection with participating in or urging a riot.
” There are a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nationwide unrest that clearly have a federal nexus .
The FBI is searching for gunmen who killed Dave Patrick Underwood , a contract security officer with the Federal Protection Service , and injured another security officer Friday outside a federal courthouse in Oakland , California .
His death would be covered by a federal terrorism-related law that makes it a crime to kill or attempt to kill a federal employee .
Rioters could face federal terrorism-related charges for malicious damage to federal property by means of fire or explosive , willful injury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or malicious damage to a building or personal property used in interstate or foreign commerce .
In Washington , where Justice Department lawyers at the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office for the District of Columbia pursue both local and federal criminal charges , prosecutors pursued felony charges against more than 200 people swept up in mass arrests during protests of Trump ’ s inauguration on Jan. 20 , 2017 .
At the “ J20 ” trial involving six defendants , prosecutors admitted they had no evidence that any of the defendants participated in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to secure any convictions at a second trial , charges were dismissed against the remaining demonstrators ; just one guilty plea was secured .
Federal rioting charges could be even more difficult to pursue .
Justice Department prosecutors brought federal rioting cases against members of an extreme far-right organization in California in 2018 , but those cases were dismissed last year .
The federal judge who tossed the charges against three members of the neo-Nazi organization Rise Above Movement last year found that the Anti-Riot Act of 1968 was “ unconstitutionally overbroad ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ substantial amount of protected expressive activity.
” After the violence in Charlottesville , Virginia , in August 2017 , other members of the white supremacist Rise Above Movement pleaded guilty to federal charges but reserved their right to appeal the constitutionality of the Riot Act .
The case is pending before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit , which heard oral arguments in January .
“ The right to protest is not a right to loot , riot , commit property destruction or to engage in or incite violence , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Southern District of West Virginia .
“ Violence , looting and criminal behavior undermines the cause and , if it happens in West Virginia , we will enforce the rule of law .
”

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President Donald Trump and his administration are increasingly blaming antifa, a loosely organized anti-fascist group, for violence at protests across the country against police brutality and racism. The president tweeted Sunday that antifa will be labeled a terrorist group, and on Monday he vowed to use the military and the Justice Department to aggressively crack down on “terrorist” protesters.
The Justice Department, led by Attorney General William Barr, is following the president’s lead. Federal prosecutors are gearing up to use available laws, including one a federal judge recently declared unconstitutional, to crack down on violent demonstrations and seem poised to follow an aggressive prosecution model they used against even nonviolent protesters arrested during Trump’s 2017 inauguration.
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“The violence instigated and carried out by Antifa and other similar groups in connection with the rioting is domestic terrorism and will be treated accordingly,” Barr said Sunday.
One of Trump’s prominent political allies, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), asked on Twitter whether, now that antifa is being considered a terrorist organization, the U.S. can “hunt them down like we do those in the Middle East.”
But the federal government can’t just treat members of a domestic movement the way they’d treat al Qaeda because the president declares them terrorists via tweet, and there are a limited number of federal laws that apply to specific conduct during protests. Past federal efforts to prosecute alleged rioters have been tossed out by judges or lost at trial.
The fact that Trump and the Justice Department are devoting federal law enforcement resources to investigating antifa ― and publicly declaring the loose organization guilty before the investigation has taken place ― could have a chilling effect on protesters, distract from the racial justice message and, potentially, mire individuals in years-long court proceedings even if they weren’t involved in violence at all.
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Barr ― who stood behind a police line near the White House on Monday evening as law enforcement prepared to violently clear the area for a presidential photo-op in front of a church ― said Sunday that federal law enforcement was working with 56 regional FBI Joint Terrorism Task Forces (JTTF) to “identify criminal organizers and instigators” as well as coordinate federal resources with state and local law enforcement.
Mary McCord, the former head of the Justice Department’s national security division, told HuffPost that, although getting JTTFs to aid investigations was standard, it was “unusual and troubling” for Barr to suggest publicly that the violence is being perpetrated by anti-fascist activists without citing evidence.
“Reporting from various protests around the country suggests outside groups, rather than local community members, have in some instances instigated destruction of property and violence, but the same reporting has suggested that some of this is being perpetrated by far-right extremist groups,” McCord said. “It is irresponsible to cast blame on any particular group or ideology when the investigations are just beginning.”
Even so, McCord said that she believes Trump might indeed issue an executive order and emergency declaration that designates antifa as a domestic terrorist organization, though that has little practical effect. Domestic organizations, including those with extensive histories of terrorist activity, such as the Ku Klux Klan, are ― unlike designated foreign terrorist organizations ― protected by the First Amendment.
“Besides the fact that Antifa is not a definable organization, any such designation would not trigger criminal penalties for providing material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization because the material support statute by its terms only applies to foreign terrorist organizations,” McCord said.
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A Justice Department spokeswoman did not respond to a request for comment about Trump’s call to designate antifa as a terrorist organization but wrote on Twitter that the Justice Department “WILL be enforcing” laws that make it “a federal crime to cross state lines or to use interstate facilities to incite or participate in violent rioting.”
Barr was on Trump’s call with governors today as the president called state leaders “weak” for their response to unrest and told participants that he would “activate” Barr “very strongly” against rioters.
Barr told governors that there were several federal charges that could be brought, including charges against anyone who crossed state lines to participate in rioting and charging “anyone who uses any interstate facility ― including telecommunications, vehicles, roads, whatever ― in connection with participating in or urging a riot.”
There are a number of crimes that have been committed during the nationwide unrest that clearly have a federal nexus. The FBI is searching for gunmen who killed Dave Patrick Underwood, a contract security officer with the Federal Protection Service, and injured another security officer Friday outside a federal courthouse in Oakland, California. His death would be covered by a federal terrorism-related law that makes it a crime to kill or attempt to kill a federal employee. Rioters could face federal terrorism-related charges for malicious damage to federal property by means of fire or explosive, willful injury or depredation of any federal property, or malicious damage to a building or personal property used in interstate or foreign commerce.
President Donald Trump holds a Bible as he stands with Attorney General William Barr, left, White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany at St. John's Episcopal Church across from Lafayette Park in Washington. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images
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Though federal law limits the Trump administration’s ability to take drastic action against demonstrators who don’t participate in violence, officials could pursue it anyway.
In Washington, where Justice Department lawyers at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia pursue both local and federal criminal charges, prosecutors pursued felony charges against more than 200 people swept up in mass arrests during protests of Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20, 2017. At the “J20” trial involving six defendants, prosecutors admitted they had no evidence that any of the defendants participated in property destruction or violence. After failing to secure any convictions at a second trial, charges were dismissed against the remaining demonstrators; just one guilty plea was secured.
Federal rioting charges could be even more difficult to pursue. Justice Department prosecutors brought federal rioting cases against members of an extreme far-right organization in California in 2018, but those cases were dismissed last year. The federal judge who tossed the charges against three members of the neo-Nazi organization Rise Above Movement last year found that the Anti-Riot Act of 1968 was “unconstitutionally overbroad” and said the indictment contained “a substantial amount of protected expressive activity.”
After the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, in August 2017, other members of the white supremacist Rise Above Movement pleaded guilty to federal charges but reserved their right to appeal the constitutionality of the Riot Act. The case is pending before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, which heard oral arguments in January.
Now, top federal prosecutors ― most of them Trump appointees ― across the country are issuing statements supporting the right to protest but promising swift federal action against rioters.
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“Let me be clear: Anyone who chooses that criminal path will be aggressively prosecuted by our office,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler of the Middle District of Georgia.
“The right to protest is not a right to loot, riot, commit property destruction or to engage in or incite violence,” said U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart of the Southern District of West Virginia. “Violence, looting and criminal behavior undermines the cause and, if it happens in West Virginia, we will enforce the rule of law.”
“[T]he last few days have seen protests in Denver hijacked by criminal elements, who have turned these protests into violent riots in our own communities,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn of Colorado. “While we can and should peacefully advocate for our beliefs, no one may incite a riot, start a fire, or injure other people in the process.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-01--As Protests Swell, Trump Vows To Unleash Military Against Anti-Racist Demonstrations

Speaking from the Rose Garden on Monday evening , Donald Trump issued an unprecedented threat from an American president : that he would send “ thousands of heavily armed soldiers ” into Washington , D.C. , to quell protests and would follow by invoking the Insurrection Act to deploy the military into other U.S. cities if mass protests against police brutality continued .
Democrats and a former military official condemned the president ’ s surreal display of authoritarianism .
Rep. Jennifer Wexton ( D-Va. ) called Trump ’ s orders “ the actions of a dictator.
” Rep. Pramila Jayapal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Progressive Caucus , said Trump was “ unleashing authoritarian violence on our fellow Americans.
” And retired Gen. Martin Dempsey , a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , declared on Twitter , “ Our fellow citizens are not the enemy.
” The violent attack on protesters was an apparent effort to clear the area in front of the White House so Trump could walk to St. John ’ s Episcopal Church to pose for a picture at the historic church , which was burned during unrest the previous evening .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of strength after The New York Times reported Sunday that he had retreated to a bunker in the White House that intended for use during terrorist attacks .
Bishop Mariann Budde , the Episcopal bishop for the Diocese of Washington , told a Washington Post reporter that she was “ outraged ” and that church officials were never told “ they would be clearing with tear gas so they could use one of our churches as a prop.
” On CNN , she said Trump ’ s message was “ antithetical to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ churches stand for.
” Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser called the actions of federal police “ shameful ” and said they acted without provocation .
An official in Arlington , Virginia , which was assisting with the police response , said they ordered Arlington Police out of the city , saying a mutual aid agreement was “ abused to endanger their and others ’ safety for a photo op.
” In the televised Rose Garden speech , after days of police violence against civilians protesting police killings of Black Americans , Trump threatened to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the military into cities .
He encouraged cities and states to deploy the National Guard “ in sufficient numbers that we dominate the streets.
” In places where mayors and governors do not respond aggressively enough to quash protests , Trump said , “ I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them.
” Defense Secretary Mark Esper told governors on Monday to approach the protests like a battle against their citizens .
“ I think the sooner that you mass and dominate the battle space , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right back to the right normal , ” Esper said in a White House call with governors , according to audio obtained by The Washington Post .
Trump ’ s threat to send heavily armed federal military personnel into American cities to enforce order against the wishes of their elected officials is of questionable legality .
The Posse Comitatus Act limits the federal government from enforcing domestic policy with military personnel .
The Insurrection Act only permits the president to federalize the National Guard and deploy other U.S. armed forces at the request @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state government is incapable of protecting its citizens .
It has only been invoked in a handful of cases , including to protect the Little Rock Nine in Arkansas in 1957 and in the midst of the 1992 Los Angeles uprising over acquittals in the Rodney King beating .
Trump tweeted Sunday that he would label antifa , a term that applies to loosely organized groups of anti-fascists , as a domestic terrorism organization .
Although current law does not allow the federal government to prosecute members of any domestic group the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ al Qaeda , the proclamation is likely to encourage prosecutors to pursue aggressive charges designed to maximize prison sentences against protesters .
Reading from a teleprompter , Trump said at the White House that he was “ rightly sickened ” by the death of George Floyd , a Black man who died after a police officer in Minneapolis used his knee to pin him down by his neck for eight minutes , despite Floyd being unarmed and handcuffed , and disregarding his pleas that he could not breathe .
Trump ’ s speech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excessive use of force by police .
Law enforcement officers throughout the country were recorded on video over the weekend driving vehicles through crowds of people , beating nonviolent demonstrations with batons and hitting protesters and journalists at close range with tear gas and rubber bullets — even firing upon people sitting on their own porch .

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Speaking from the Rose Garden on Monday evening, Donald Trump issued an unprecedented threat from an American president: that he would send “thousands of heavily armed soldiers” into Washington, D.C., to quell protests and would follow by invoking the Insurrection Act to deploy the military into other U.S. cities if mass protests against police brutality continued.
As he spoke, federal law enforcement officials working alongside military police officers fired projectiles and tear gas upon American citizens protesting peacefully just yards from the White House so that the president could be photographed holding up a Bible in front of a nearby church.
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Democrats and a former military official condemned the president’s surreal display of authoritarianism. Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-Va.) called Trump’s orders “the actions of a dictator.” Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), co-chair of the Progressive Caucus, said Trump was “unleashing authoritarian violence on our fellow Americans.” And retired Gen. Martin Dempsey, a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, declared on Twitter, “Our fellow citizens are not the enemy.”
Other members of Congress, including Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Reps. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) and Val Demings (D-Fla.), likened Trump’s speech to fascism. Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) called his actions “naked authoritarianism.”
“He’s using the American military against the American people,” presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden tweeted. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a recent contender for the nomination and a possible vice presidential selection, tweeted, “Lives and our democracy are in danger.”
Elected Republicans were mostly silent; a few suggested that Trump adjust his tone.
Twenty minutes before a 7 p.m. curfew in D.C. went into effect and moments after Attorney General William Barr observed the police line near the White House, federal law enforcement fired tear gas into a peaceful crowd as protesters raised their hands and chanted, “Don’t shoot.”
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“It was absolutely out of nowhere,” Diane May, one of the protesters, told HuffPost. “No one was throwing anything. Everyone was in the space that was provided for us and they just started advancing on us.”
The violent attack on protesters was an apparent effort to clear the area in front of the White House so Trump could walk to St. John’s Episcopal Church to pose for a picture at the historic church, which was burned during unrest the previous evening. The president wanted to project a show of strength after The New York Times reported Sunday that he had retreated to a bunker in the White House that intended for use during terrorist attacks.
Bishop Mariann Budde, the Episcopal bishop for the Diocese of Washington, told a Washington Post reporter that she was “outraged” and that church officials were never told “they would be clearing with tear gas so they could use one of our churches as a prop.” On CNN, she said Trump’s message was “antithetical to the teachings of Jesus and everything that our churches stand for.”
“To think that people could have gotten seriously injured or even killed just for a pose by a church that didn’t even want him there is outrageous,” said May, 33.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser called the actions of federal police “shameful” and said they acted without provocation. An official in Arlington, Virginia, which was assisting with the police response, said they ordered Arlington Police out of the city, saying a mutual aid agreement was “abused to endanger their and others’ safety for a photo op.”
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In the televised Rose Garden speech, after days of police violence against civilians protesting police killings of Black Americans, Trump threatened to invoke the 213-year-old Insurrection Act to deploy the military into cities. He encouraged cities and states to deploy the National Guard “in sufficient numbers that we dominate the streets.” In places where mayors and governors do not respond aggressively enough to quash protests, Trump said, “I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them.”
As Trump spoke, police officers used force in an attempt to suppress protests in major cities throughout the country, including New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Seattle and Louisville, Kentucky. At least 40 cities imposed curfews, making it easier for police to arrest peaceful demonstrators on curfew violation charges.
Defense Secretary Mark Esper told governors on Monday to approach the protests like a battle against their citizens. “I think the sooner that you mass and dominate the battle space, the quicker this dissipates and we can get right back to the right normal,” Esper said in a White House call with governors, according to audio obtained by The Washington Post.
Trump’s threat to send heavily armed federal military personnel into American cities to enforce order against the wishes of their elected officials is of questionable legality. The Posse Comitatus Act limits the federal government from enforcing domestic policy with military personnel. The Insurrection Act only permits the president to federalize the National Guard and deploy other U.S. armed forces at the request of a state government or if a state government is incapable of protecting its citizens. It has only been invoked in a handful of cases, including to protect the Little Rock Nine in Arkansas in 1957 and in the midst of the 1992 Los Angeles uprising over acquittals in the Rodney King beating.
The American Civil Liberties Union’s Hina Shamsi called the plan “irresponsible and dangerous” and said that no “level-headed governor is asking for an even more militarized response to civilian protests against police brutality and systemic racism.”
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“President Trump is not a dictator and he doesn’t have the right to unilaterally deploy US military across American states,” tweeted New York State Attorney General Tish James.
Although that may legally be true, Barr has an extraordinarily wide view of executive power, and the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel has imposed few limits of Trump’s power, justifying many of his whims throughout his presidency.
President Donald Trump posed for a photo with a Bible in front of a church damaged in the protests after federal law enforcement officials used tear gas to remove protesters from the area. Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images
The president’s threats follow a coordinated effort by the federal government to inaccurately characterize a nationwide grassroots protest movement against police brutality as an insidious effort by domestic terrorists to destroy the country.
Trump tweeted Sunday that he would label antifa, a term that applies to loosely organized groups of anti-fascists, as a domestic terrorism organization. Although current law does not allow the federal government to prosecute members of any domestic group the way it treats foreign terrorist groups, like al Qaeda, the proclamation is likely to encourage prosecutors to pursue aggressive charges designed to maximize prison sentences against protesters.
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“As we speak, I am dispatching thousands and thousands of heavily armed soldiers, military personnel and law enforcement officers to stop the rioting, looting, vandalism, assaults, and the wanton destruction of property,” Trump said Monday in the Rose Garden. “Organizers of this terror,” Trump warned, will “face severe criminal penalties and lengthy sentences in jail.”
Reading from a teleprompter, Trump said at the White House that he was “rightly sickened” by the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died after a police officer in Minneapolis used his knee to pin him down by his neck for eight minutes, despite Floyd being unarmed and handcuffed, and disregarding his pleas that he could not breathe.
Trump’s speech did not include a single mention of excessive use of force by police. Law enforcement officers throughout the country were recorded on video over the weekend driving vehicles through crowds of people, beating nonviolent demonstrations with batons and hitting protesters and journalists at close range with tear gas and rubber bullets — even firing upon people sitting on their own porch.
The president said Monday that he supported peaceful protests, even as federal law enforcement fired tear gas, pepper balls and flash-bang grenades at nonviolent protesters just outside the White House. He claimed without evidence that peaceful protests had been infiltrated by “professional anarchists, violent mobs, arsonists, looters, rioters, antifa and others.”
“These are not acts of peaceful protest. These are acts of domestic terror,” Trump added, detailing misleading and sometimes exaggerated examples of property destruction and violence that he linked to the protesters. “I am mobilizing all available federal resources — civilian and military — to stop the rioting and looting, end the destruction and arson, and to protect the rights of law-abiding Americans, including your Second Amendment rights.”
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Cable news networks broadcast Trump’s speech in a split-screen alongside footage of law enforcement officers firing at protesters as they tried to retreat. The sound of exploding flash grenades could be heard in the background as Trump described himself an “ally of peaceful protesters.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-01--D.C. Church 'Outraged' That Trump Used It As Photo-Op

Bishop Mariann Budde , leader of The Episcopal Diocese of Washington , told HuffPost that she was “ outraged ” about Trump ’ s appearance .
“ I am going to do everything in my power to disassociate our church from what the president did tonight , ” she said .
“ He did not pray when he came to St. John ’ s , ” Budde said .
The president also failed to acknowledge the agony of people of color who are “ rightfully demanding an end to 400 years of systemic racism and white supremacy.
” Budde told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had no idea that Trump was planning to appear at the church on Monday ― she found out about it by watching it on television , like everyone else .
St. John ’ s Church is located across the street from Lafayette Square , a park that lies directly north of the White House and has become a gathering spot since protests erupted over the death of George Floyd , a Black man who was killed in Minneapolis last week by a white officer who kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difference between loss of life at the hands of a police officer as part of a systemic pattern of racism , and being concerned about the basement of a church , ” Budde said Monday evening .
“ We ’ re trying to keep our focus on the major issues.
” “ We just wanted to make sure the church wasn ’ t just a building , that there were people there praying , offering support and solidarity , offering refreshments , opening the door of the church for people to go to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Just to have a sense that we ’ re not just a historic building , that we ’ re people who care.
” At over 200 years old , St. John ’ s Church is a national historic landmark with a membership of over 1,000 people , and has earned the nickname “ church of the presidents.
” Every president since James Madison has attended at least one service inside its halls , according to the church ’ s website .
On Monday , church officials said damage from the blaze was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although there was smoke and water damage to other areas of the basement .
The graffiti on the exterior of the building has already been covered up , they said .
No one from the parish was inside the building at the time it was damaged .
“ If anything , this only encourages us even more to be a ministry of presence as much as we can in the days ahead and beyond , working against racism , and towards compassion and healing , ” Fisher wrote on Facebook early Monday morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asking Episcopalians and people of other denominations and faiths to gather at St. John ’ s in the upcoming days to “ stand in prayerful solidarity and witness for racial justice and healing.
” Participants are required to wear masks and bring hospitality items , such as water and snacks , to pass out to fellow protesters .
Clergy have been asked to wear clerical collars so that they are identifiable .
“ We ’ ve made it very clear that people who are at risk or have family members at risk should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be wearing masks , ” she said .
“ It is scary .
But I think there are ways we can do that and keep people reasonably safe .
”

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A historic Washington, D.C., church damaged during protests against police brutality over the weekend pledged solidarity with protesters on Monday ― hours before President Donald Trump used its building for a photo-op.
After a press conference in the Rose Garden Monday evening, Trump walked from the White House to pose in front of St. John’s Church’s sign while holding a Bible. Law enforcement fired tear gas at hundreds of peaceful protesters to clear the way for Trump, The Associated Press reported.
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The church belongs to the Episcopal Diocese of Washington ― part of a progressive denomination that has often stood at odds with the president’s policies and tactics.
Bishop Mariann Budde, leader of The Episcopal Diocese of Washington, told HuffPost that she was “outraged” about Trump’s appearance. “I am going to do everything in my power to disassociate our church from what the president did tonight,” she said.
We have the greatest country in the world—and we will keep America safe. pic.twitter.com/lqHaUZ4wxW — The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 1, 2020
Trump used the Bible and St. John’s Church as a backdrop for a message that is “antithetical to the teachings of Jesus and everything that our church stands for,” Budde said in a separate statement.
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“He did not pray when he came to St. John’s,” Budde said. The president also failed to acknowledge the agony of people of color who are “rightfully demanding an end to 400 years of systemic racism and white supremacy.”
“In no way do we support the President’s incendiary response to a wounded, grieving nation,” she said.
Budde told CNN’s Anderson Cooper that she had no idea that Trump was planning to appear at the church on Monday ― she found out about it by watching it on television, like everyone else.
“I just can’t believe what my eyes have seen tonight,” she said.
St. John’s Church is located across the street from Lafayette Square, a park that lies directly north of the White House and has become a gathering spot since protests erupted over the death of George Floyd, a Black man who was killed in Minneapolis last week by a white officer who kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes.
St. John’s sustained damage late Sunday night during protests. By Monday afternoon, the Episcopal church had set up a hospitality station outside its front doors ― offering protesters water bottles, hand sanitizing liquid, snacks and a place to rest.
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Hours before Trump’s photo-op at the church, Budde told HuffPost that while she was sad to hear about the damage to the church, people are what matter in the end.
“There’s a huge difference between loss of life at the hands of a police officer as part of a systemic pattern of racism, and being concerned about the basement of a church,” Budde said Monday evening. “We’re trying to keep our focus on the major issues.”
Eight members of the clergy from Budde’s diocese were at the church Monday to help with the hospitality station, she said. The diocese plans to maintain a presence outside St. John’s until the protests cease.
“We just wanted to make sure the church wasn’t just a building, that there were people there praying, offering support and solidarity, offering refreshments, opening the door of the church for people to go to the bathroom,” Budde said. “Just to have a sense that we’re not just a historic building, that we’re people who care.”
President Donald Trump holds a Bible outside St. John's Church across Lafayette Park from the White House on June 1, 2020. ASSOCIATED PRESS
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At over 200 years old, St. John’s Church is a national historic landmark with a membership of over 1,000 people, and has earned the nickname “church of the presidents.” Every president since James Madison has attended at least one service inside its halls, according to the church’s website.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt attended a church service at St. John’s in 1933 on the morning of his inauguration, setting a precedent followed by many of his successors, including Trump. Pew 54, the “President’s Pew,” is reserved for the president’s use.
Floyd’s death has sparked demonstrations nationwide over police brutality toward Black Americans. Sunday’s protests, which marked the third day of demonstrations in Washington, D.C., started out peacefully. As night fell and the protest outlasted the city’s 11 p.m. curfew, tensions between police and protesters heightened.
Police fired tear gas and stun grenades into a crowd of over 1,000 people, The Associated Press reports. The crowd started fires at several nearby buildings, including St. John’s. The church fire was intentionally set, D.C. police said in a tweet.
“We just wanted to make sure the church wasn’t just a building, that there were people there praying, offering support and solidarity.” - Bishop Mariann Budde
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In addition to the fire, protesters reportedly tore down an American flag hanging outside the church, broke protective glass covering a stained-glass window and sprayed graffiti on the walls.
“The Devil is across [the] street,” read one of the messages sprayed onto the exterior of the building, according to The Washington Post.
On Monday, church officials said damage from the blaze was primarily contained to the parish nursery, although there was smoke and water damage to other areas of the basement. The graffiti on the exterior of the building has already been covered up, they said. No one from the parish was inside the building at the time it was damaged.
Parish rector Rev. Rob Fisher said that the events of Sunday night haven’t deterred his church’s resolve to “be an instrument for God’s work” during the protests.
“If anything, this only encourages us even more to be a ministry of presence as much as we can in the days ahead and beyond, working against racism, and towards compassion and healing,” Fisher wrote on Facebook early Monday morning.
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Graffiti says "God is still watching" on the exterior walls of St. John's Episcopal Church near the White House on June 1, 2020, after a night of protests over the death of George Floyd. AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster
The diocese put out a call asking Episcopalians and people of other denominations and faiths to gather at St. John’s in the upcoming days to “stand in prayerful solidarity and witness for racial justice and healing.” Participants are required to wear masks and bring hospitality items, such as water and snacks, to pass out to fellow protesters. Clergy have been asked to wear clerical collars so that they are identifiable.
Asked if she is concerned about the spread of COVID-19 through this initiative, Budde admitted that she is.
“We’ve made it very clear that people who are at risk or have family members at risk should not go down there. Everyone should be wearing masks,” she said. “It is scary. But I think there are ways we can do that and keep people reasonably safe.”
Police form a line in front of St. John's Episcopal Church on May 31, 2020, near the White House in Washington. ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Budde said that she doesn’t condone the destruction of property during the protests. But she’s not going to focus on that when the bigger outrage is what is happening to people’s lives.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-02--'Who's The Thug Here?': Anderson Cooper Unleashes On Donald Trump

A fed-up Anderson Cooper let loose Monday night on self-proclaimed “ law and order ” President Donald Trump , characterizing him instead as a “ thug.
” “ The president seems to think dominating Black people , dominating peaceful protesters , is law and order .
It ’ s not , ” Cooper said on CNN .
“ He calls them thugs ?
Who is the thug here ?
Hiding in a bunker ?
Hiding behind a suit ?
Who is the thug ?
” he snapped .
Cooper noted that the president in a White House statement Monday threatening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power he doesn ’ t really have ” — he “ can ’ t send the military into every state , ” he said .
“ That ’ s not law and order.
” What the “ president doesn ’ t seem to know or care is that the vast majority of those protesting , they , too , are calling for law and order .
A Black man killed with four officers holding him down , a knee to the neck ... that ’ s not law and order ; that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He added : “ I ’ ve seen societies fall apart as a reporter ... .
I ’ ve seen countries ripped apart by hate and misinformation , and political demagogues and racism .
We can ’ t let that happen here.
” CNN ’ s Kaitlan Collins told Cooper that peaceful protesters were attacked with tear gas and batons Monday so the president could look like a tough leader as he strolled to a nearby church to hold aloft a Bible for a photo-op ( which infuriated church leaders ) .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upset ” by media coverage that he had been rushed to a bunker in the White House for safety Friday night during protests , sources told Collins .
Check out Cooper ’ s statement in the video up top ( beginning at 4:19 ) and Collins ’ report here :

A fed-up Anderson Cooper let loose Monday night on self-proclaimed “law and order” President Donald Trump, characterizing him instead as a “thug.”
“The president seems to think dominating Black people, dominating peaceful protesters, is law and order. It’s not,” Cooper said on CNN.
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“He calls them thugs? Who is the thug here? Hiding in a bunker? Hiding behind a suit? Who is the thug?” he snapped.
Cooper noted that the president in a White House statement Monday threatening violence against anti-racist protesters “claimed a power he doesn’t really have” — he “can’t send the military into every state,” he said. “That’s not law and order.”
What the “president doesn’t seem to know or care is that the vast majority of those protesting, they, too, are calling for law and order. A Black man killed with four officers holding him down, a knee to the neck ... that’s not law and order; that’s murder,” Cooper said.
He added: “I’ve seen societies fall apart as a reporter .... I’ve seen countries ripped apart by hate and misinformation, and political demagogues and racism. We can’t let that happen here.”
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CNN’s Kaitlan Collins told Cooper that peaceful protesters were attacked with tear gas and batons Monday so the president could look like a tough leader as he strolled to a nearby church to hold aloft a Bible for a photo-op (which infuriated church leaders). Trump orchestrated the scene because he was “upset” by media coverage that he had been rushed to a bunker in the White House for safety Friday night during protests, sources told Collins.
“Oh, my God,” Cooper responded.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-02--NY Times Ripped For 'Pathetic' Front-Page Trump Coverage

This headline is a complete betrayal of the truth of what occurred today .
The irony is that by failing @ @ @ @ @ @ nytimes is actually causing it ’ s own extinction .
Keep this both sides @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be a free press at after November .
https : //t.co/F3NS1brJuL

This headline is a complete betrayal of the truth of what occurred today. The irony is that by failing so thoroughly and completely, @nytimes is actually causing it’s own extinction. Keep this both sides shit up and there won’t be a free press at after November. https://t.co/F3NS1brJuL


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-01--'Revolting': Trump Gets Holy Hell On Twitter For Using Bible As Photo-Op Prop

President Donald Trump is getting called out on social media after posing in front of a church with a Bible ― a photo-op possible only after police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at peaceful protesters to clear the area .
Trump then walked through a phalanx of police and Secret Service officers to reach St. John ’ s Episcopal Church , which was vandalized during the civil unrest over the weekend sparked by the May 25 police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
Bishop Mariann Budde , leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington , which owns the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president ’ s appearance there and vowed to disassociate the church from his actions .
On Twitter , critics from across the political spectrum quickly tore into the president for his use of a Bible as a “ prop ” for his photo-op : Let me be clear .
This is revolting .
The Bible is not a prop .
A church is not a photo op .
Religion is not a political tool .
God is not your plaything .
pic.twitter.com/RZwPeqrwoZ — James Martin , SJ ( @ JamesMartinSJ ) June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prove he could walk in broad daylight today so he sicced the police on peaceful protesters so he could stand there and awkwardly hold the Bible .
Dear God .
We need to end this nightmare of a presidency .
https : //t.co/umEY90OTcy — John Legend ( @ johnlegend ) June 2 , 2020 This is how much Trump cares about the church he visited .
They did n't know he was coming , and he did n't talk to them before he left .
This was propaganda through and through .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waltshaub ) June 2 , 2020 Actual religious leaders should be incensed that he instigated violence to use the bible as a prop .
His phony phalanx of evangelical enablers will only love him more .
— Jennifer Rubin ( @ JRubinBlogger ) June 1 , 2020 I 'm no pope but I do n't think the bible is suppose to do that when you 're holding it .
# Trump # BunkerBoy # dcblackout pic.twitter.com/9gy40JNxTf — Brandon Farmahini ( @ MrFarmahini ) June 2 , 2020 What Trump did today was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goes to church and can ’ t quote a verse form the Bible ordered the U.S. military to attack his own citizens just so he could hold up a Bible for a photo op at a church .
Pure evil .
— Keith Boykin ( @ keithboykin ) June 2 , 2020 Did Vice President Pence not accompany the president to his disgraceful Bible-as-prop visit to St. John 's ?
Was this a bridge too far even for him ?
pic.twitter.com/rDRqOR4zzA — Bill Kristol ( @ BillKristol ) June 2 , 2020 Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directly ordering an attack on a constitutionally legal , peaceful assembly of American citizens is a perversion of decency and the basic tenants of American liberty unequaled in our long history .
His words are those of a tyrant .
NOT IN THIS LAND — Steve Schmidt ( @ SteveSchmidtSES ) June 2 , 2020 Trump ’ s posing with a Bible in front of a church after mobilizing the military against the people is an attempt to use Christianity as a veneer for his authoritarian aspirations .
How many will play along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justification for their support ?
— Evan McMullin ( @ EvanMcMullin ) June 2 , 2020 President Trump just used tear gas and flash grenades to clear peaceful protesters out of his way so he could wave a bible in front of a church .
That is what he just did .
Is this country strong enough to get through these next four months ?
I 'm seriously worried .
— Abigail Disney ( @ abigaildisney ) June 2 , 2020 The Bible means so much to Orange Nixon that he can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — Chris Sacca ( @ sacca ) June 2 , 2020 Donald Trump used our tax dollars to tear gas American cirizens who were peacefully protesting , so that he and his gaggle of devoted white men could walk to a closed church for a photo op holding a bible .
— Mia Farrow ( @ MiaFarrow ) June 2 , 2020 Trump fired tear gas and rubber bullets on peaceful protestors so he could get a photo opp in front a church that didn ’ t want him there , holding a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a single verse , all to prove he ’ s not a coward hiding in his bunker again .
A perfect encapsulation .
— Anthony Scaramucci ( @ Scaramucci ) June 2 , 2020 Tonight Trump ordered an assault on protestors with rubber bullets and tear gas so he could stand in front of a church and hold up the Bible ?
Clearly he has no sense of what is in the good book—things like love , peace , and reconciliation .
— Senator Jeff Merkley ( @ SenJeffMerkley ) June 2 , @

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President Donald Trump is getting called out on social media after posing in front of a church with a Bible ― a photo-op possible only after police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at peaceful protesters to clear the area.
Trump then walked through a phalanx of police and Secret Service officers to reach St. John’s Episcopal Church, which was vandalized during the civil unrest over the weekend sparked by the May 25 police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
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Bishop Mariann Budde, leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, which owns the church, expressed “outrage” at the president’s appearance there and vowed to disassociate the church from his actions.
She was hardly alone.
On Twitter, critics from across the political spectrum quickly tore into the president for his use of a Bible as a “prop” for his photo-op:
Let me be clear. This is revolting. The Bible is not a prop. A church is not a photo op. Religion is not a political tool. God is not your plaything. pic.twitter.com/RZwPeqrwoZ — James Martin, SJ (@JamesMartinSJ) June 2, 2020
He holds that Bible like it’s burning him. — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) June 2, 2020
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#BunkerBoy Trump had to prove he could walk in broad daylight today so he sicced the police on peaceful protesters so he could stand there and awkwardly hold the Bible. Dear God. We need to end this nightmare of a presidency. https://t.co/umEY90OTcy — John Legend (@johnlegend) June 2, 2020
This is how much Trump cares about the church he visited. They didn't know he was coming, and he didn't talk to them before he left. This was propaganda through and through. https://t.co/Fcu4qKS70n — Walter Shaub (@waltshaub) June 2, 2020
Actual religious leaders should be incensed that he instigated violence to use the bible as a prop. His phony phalanx of evangelical enablers will only love him more. — Jennifer Rubin (@JRubinBlogger) June 1, 2020
I'm no pope but I don't think the bible is suppose to do that when you're holding it. #Trump #BunkerBoy #dcblackout pic.twitter.com/9gy40JNxTf — Brandon Farmahini (@MrFarmahini) June 2, 2020
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What Trump did today was pure evil.
This man who never goes to church and can’t quote a verse form the Bible ordered the U.S. military to attack his own citizens just so he could hold up a Bible for a photo op at a church.
Pure evil. — Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) June 2, 2020
Did Vice President Pence not accompany the president to his disgraceful Bible-as-prop visit to St. John's? Was this a bridge too far even for him? pic.twitter.com/rDRqOR4zzA — Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) June 2, 2020
Trump’s posing with a bible after directly ordering an attack on a constitutionally legal, peaceful assembly of American citizens is a perversion of decency and the basic tenants of American liberty unequaled in our long history. His words are those of a tyrant. NOT IN THIS LAND — Steve Schmidt (@SteveSchmidtSES) June 2, 2020
Trump’s posing with a Bible in front of a church after mobilizing the military against the people is an attempt to use Christianity as a veneer for his authoritarian aspirations. How many will play along because they too require a faux moral justification for their support? — Evan McMullin (@EvanMcMullin) June 2, 2020
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President Trump just used tear gas and flash grenades to clear peaceful protesters out of his way so he could wave a bible in front of a church. That is what he just did. Is this country strong enough to get through these next four months? I'm seriously worried. — Abigail Disney (@abigaildisney) June 2, 2020
The Bible means so much to Orange Nixon that he can’t cite a single verse. pic.twitter.com/Kpu1V8UQg3 — Chris Sacca (@sacca) June 2, 2020
Donald Trump used our tax dollars to tear gas American cirizens who were peacefully protesting, so that he and his gaggle of devoted white men could walk to a closed church for a photo op holding a bible. — Mia Farrow (@MiaFarrow) June 2, 2020
Here’s the blasphemous bloviating buffoon using the Bible as a prop for a pitiful, psychotic photo op. #RemoveTrumpNow pic.twitter.com/ckjVlBEBB8 — Lesley Abravanel🆘 (@lesleyabravanel) June 1, 2020
Trump fired tear gas and rubber bullets on peaceful protestors so he could get a photo opp in front a church that didn’t want him there, holding a Bible from which he cannot name a single verse, all to prove he’s not a coward hiding in his bunker again. A perfect encapsulation. — Anthony Scaramucci (@Scaramucci) June 2, 2020
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Tonight Trump ordered an assault on protestors with rubber bullets and tear gas so he could stand in front of a church and hold up the Bible? Clearly he has no sense of what is in the good book—things like love, peace, and reconciliation. — Senator Jeff Merkley (@SenJeffMerkley) June 2, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-02--States Reject Trump’s Threat Of Military Crackdown: ‘Stay Out Of Our Business’

State leaders rejected President Donald Trump ’ s threat to unleash the military against Americans protesting the death of George Floyd on Monday , with many accusing Trump of “ inflaming ” the situation rather than working to reckon with growing national outrage .
Illinois Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ( D ) said the president had responded to the protests over the Minneapolis police killing of Floyd in “ precisely the wrong way ” just moments after federal officers violently forced those gathered near the White House away with tear gas and flash-bang grenades .
Trump , standing in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ background , vowed to crack down on anti-racist demonstrations and threatened to mobilize “ all available federal resources , civilian and military , to stop the rioting and looting.
” He specifically called on all governors to deploy the National Guard and establish an “ overwhelming law enforcement presence.
” “ I reject the notion that the federal government can send troops into the state of Illinois , ” Pritzker said on CNN .
“ The president has created an incendiary moment here ... His rhetoric is inflaming passions.
” New York Gov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that call shortly before New York City enacted its first curfew in more than 70 years .
Protests throughout the city had been largely peaceful on Monday , but some looting and vandalism was spreading through retail districts as night set in .
“ I say thank you but no thank you , ” Cuomo told CNN .
“ They used the American military to push back a peaceful protest , which everyone watched on TV , just so he could have a photo-op of him walking to a church .
When was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military called up against Americans ?
” “ There is no need for the deployment of US troops to maintain order in our city , ” the pair said .
“ The President ’ s threat to deploy federal troops is counterproductive and will only stoke the potential for worse violence and destruction .
Denver is not Little Rock in 1957 , and Donald Trump is not President Eisenhower , ” they said , invoking the use of soldiers to protect Black children entering a newly integrated school .
Washington Gov .
Jay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president , also blasted the White House , saying he hoped no soldier or citizen would be harmed by what he called a “ reckless fit.
” “ This president has repeatedly proven he is incapable of governing and shown nothing but false bravado throughout the chaos that has accompanied his time in office , ” the Democratic governor said in a statement .
Trump has clashed with governors repeatedly as the protests over Floyd ’ s death swell .
In a call with state leaders on Monday , the president called them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrest any demonstrators and “ put them in jail for 10 years.
” “ You have to dominate .
If you don ’ t dominate , you ’ re wasting your time , ” the president said in the private call , which was obtained by HuffPost .
“ They ’ re going to run over you .
You ’ re going to look like a bunch of jerks .
You have to dominate.
” Many cities across the nation have instituted curfews in an attempt to limit any violence and destruction of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weaponized with tear gas , rubber bullets and riot gear — continued into Monday night .
The unrest began after the May 25 death of Floyd , a Black man who was handcuffed , unarmed and on the ground when a white police officer pushed his knee into his neck for nine minutes .
Three other officers with him did not intervene or try to aid Floyd as he died .

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State leaders rejected President Donald Trump’s threat to unleash the military against Americans protesting the death of George Floyd on Monday, with many accusing Trump of “inflaming” the situation rather than working to reckon with growing national outrage.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) said the president had responded to the protests over the Minneapolis police killing of Floyd in “precisely the wrong way” just moments after federal officers violently forced those gathered near the White House away with tear gas and flash-bang grenades. Trump, standing in the Rose Garden with explosions sounding in the background, vowed to crack down on anti-racist demonstrations and threatened to mobilize “all available federal resources, civilian and military, to stop the rioting and looting.” He specifically called on all governors to deploy the National Guard and establish an “overwhelming law enforcement presence.”
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But Pritzker and other governors roundly pushed back against those calls.
“I reject the notion that the federal government can send troops into the state of Illinois,” Pritzker said on CNN. “The president has created an incendiary moment here... His rhetoric is inflaming passions.”
“He should stay out of our business, Pritzker added. “Every day he has inflamed racial tensions.”
The president is calling out the American military against American citizens.
He used the military to push out a peaceful protest so he could have a photo op at a church.
It's all just a reality TV show for this president.
Shameful. — Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) June 1, 2020
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) echoed that call shortly before New York City enacted its first curfew in more than 70 years. Protests throughout the city had been largely peaceful on Monday, but some looting and vandalism was spreading through retail districts as night set in.
“I say thank you but no thank you,” Cuomo told CNN. “They used the American military to push back a peaceful protest, which everyone watched on TV, just so he could have a photo-op of him walking to a church. When was the last time you saw the American military called up against Americans?”
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“Is that Americana? Is that making America great? I don’t think so,” the governor said.
In Colorado, Gov. Jared Polis (D) released a joint statement with Denver Mayor Michael Hancock condemning Trump’s call for military intervention.
“There is no need for the deployment of US troops to maintain order in our city,” the pair said. “The President’s threat to deploy federal troops is counterproductive and will only stoke the potential for worse violence and destruction. Denver is not Little Rock in 1957, and Donald Trump is not President Eisenhower,” they said, invoking the use of soldiers to protect Black children entering a newly integrated school.
This president has repeatedly proven he is incapable of governing. He has shown nothing but false bravado throughout the chaos that has accompanied his time in office.
My full statement: https://t.co/lxEv5kMB9K pic.twitter.com/wdqF1YTX18 — Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) June 2, 2020
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, a harsh critic of the president, also blasted the White House, saying he hoped no soldier or citizen would be harmed by what he called a “reckless fit.”
“This president has repeatedly proven he is incapable of governing and shown nothing but false bravado throughout the chaos that has accompanied his time in office,” the Democratic governor said in a statement.
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Trump has clashed with governors repeatedly as the protests over Floyd’s death swell. In a call with state leaders on Monday, the president called them “weak” and urged them to arrest any demonstrators and “put them in jail for 10 years.”
“You have to dominate. If you don’t dominate, you’re wasting your time,” the president said in the private call, which was obtained by HuffPost. “They’re going to run over you. You’re going to look like a bunch of jerks. You have to dominate.”
Many cities across the nation have instituted curfews in an attempt to limit any violence and destruction of property, but clashes with police — weaponized with tear gas, rubber bullets and riot gear — continued into Monday night.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-01--Trump Poses With Bible After Having Protesters Cleared Away With Tear Gas

President Donald Trump clutched a Bible and posed for photos in front of a church near the White House on Monday after ordering that protesters be cleared from the area with tear gas and rubber bullets .
“ Greatest country in the world .
And we ’ re going to keep it safe , ” Trump said in front of the historic St. John ’ s Episcopal Church , just minutes after he directed law enforcement officers to tear-gas crowds protesting police brutality so he ’ d have an unimpeded walk from the White House to the church .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , did not pray or open the Bible .
He appeared to use the moment as photo-op , striking various poses with the book as he stood alongside other members of his administration .
When a reporter asked if it was his Bible , he responded that it was just “ a Bible.
” The Episcopal bishop of Washington , D.C. , who oversees St. John ’ s , told The Washington Post that she was “ outraged ” that neither she nor the church ’ s rector were informed “ that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they could use one of our churches as a prop , holding a Bible , one that declares that God is love , and when everything he has said and done is to inflame violence.
” New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo spoke to CNN shortly after to call out Trump for his “ shameful ” actions to drive back the protesters .
“ They used the American military to push back a peaceful protest , which everyone watched on TV , just so he could have a photo-op of walking to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before , Trump vowed to crack down on the nationwide anti-racism protests in the wake of a police officer killing George Floyd , a Black man , in Minneapolis last week .
“ As we speak , I am dispatching thousands and thousands of heavily armed soldiers , military personnel and law enforcement officers to stop the rioting , looting , vandalism , assaults and the wanton destruction of property , ” Trump said in a surreal speech from the White House Rose Garden , speaking over the sound of police flash-bang explosions @

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President Donald Trump clutched a Bible and posed for photos in front of a church near the White House on Monday after ordering that protesters be cleared from the area with tear gas and rubber bullets.
“Greatest country in the world. And we’re going to keep it safe,” Trump said in front of the historic St. John’s Episcopal Church, just minutes after he directed law enforcement officers to tear-gas crowds protesting police brutality so he’d have an unimpeded walk from the White House to the church.
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Trump, who is not a regular churchgoer, did not pray or open the Bible. He appeared to use the moment as photo-op, striking various poses with the book as he stood alongside other members of his administration. When a reporter asked if it was his Bible, he responded that it was just “a Bible.”
WATCH: President Trump walks across Lafayette Park to St. John's Church. Holding a Bible he says, "We have a great country. That's my thoughts." pic.twitter.com/A3HS8hR32p — CSPAN (@cspan) June 1, 2020
The Episcopal bishop of Washington, D.C., who oversees St. John’s, told The Washington Post that she was “outraged” that neither she nor the church’s rector were informed “that they would be clearing with tear gas so they could use one of our churches as a prop, holding a Bible, one that declares that God is love, and when everything he has said and done is to inflame violence.”
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo spoke to CNN shortly after to call out Trump for his “shameful” actions to drive back the protesters.
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“They used the American military to push back a peaceful protest, which everyone watched on TV, just so he could have a photo-op of walking to a church,” Cuomo said.
Shortly before, Trump vowed to crack down on the nationwide anti-racism protests in the wake of a police officer killing George Floyd, a Black man, in Minneapolis last week.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-02--D.C. Residents Open Their Doors To Save Protesters From The Police

WASHINGTON ― Residents of Swann Street NW in the nation ’ s capital opened their homes to protesters who were trapped by law enforcement officers during a demonstration against police violence on Monday .
Not long after President Donald Trump vowed to crack down on riots and had federal law enforcement officials fire tear gas at peaceful crowds so he could hold a Bible during a photo op in front of a church , police kettled demonstrators on a D.C. street a few blocks south of 14th and U Street NW .
This area was the center of the 1968 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Martin Luther King , Jr .
Although there has been extensive looting and rioting in D.C. over the past few days , there was no evidence that any of the demonstrators who police swept up in a mass arrest Monday were involved .
HuffPost spoke with one protester who was caught in the kettle .
She agreed to be named , but HuffPost has chosen to withhold her identity to avoid aiding police in her arrest or a potential case against her .
The 22-year-old said that the protesters were peaceful before they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weren ’ t even water bottles being thrown .
It was all just chants , ” she said .
“ The moment we made that right onto the street , they kind of started charging us.
” “ You turn to the left , there ’ s another alley , cops are there .
Then you turn to the right , there ’ s another alley , cops are there , ” she said .
“ So people just start knocking on doors , ” she said .
“ We were fortunate enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t even know they lived on this block , and we were able to stay ...
Thank God , it was honestly fate.
” The protester said other demonstrators were “ frantic ” and “ didn ’ t know what to do ” when police trapped them .
At least two reporters were caught in the chaos .
One said they were unjustifiably pepper-sprayed and later released when they identified themselves as a journalist ; the other said they were able to escape through a backdoor after being let into someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place after the 7 p.m. curfew set by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser ( D ) .
Prosecutions in the nation ’ s capital aren ’ t handled by a locally elected district attorney but by the Trump-controlled U.S. Attorney ’ s Office for the District of Columbia .
The Justice Department is already preparing for a major crackdown on rioting .
Federal prosecutors in D.C. have previously charged more than 200 Trump inauguration protesters who were caught in a police kettle with felony charges that exposed them to decades in prison .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a request for comment .
Here are some tweets from the scene : A live look from DC where my friend is telling me police have boxed them in and are refusing to let anyone leave .
Despite numerous requests to leave or speak to someone they are being meant with total silence and made to stay atm .
# DCPROTEST pic.twitter.com/Aqr6UJAvvP — DJ Jake Maxwell ( UltraPup ) ( @ DJUltraPup ) June 2 , 2020 NEW : “ We weren ’ t doing anything violent , they pepper sprayed us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talked to a nurse , one of about SIXTY people taken in by the owner of a house on Swann St NW , after they were blocked in by police pursuing/arresting curfew violators @ nbcwashington — Jackie Bensen ( @ jackiebensen ) June 2 , 2020 NEW : “ We weren ’ t doing anything violent , they pepper sprayed us right up to the doorway.
” Just talked to a nurse , one of about SIXTY people taken in by the owner of a house on Swann St NW , after they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violators @ nbcwashington — Jackie Bensen ( @ jackiebensen ) June 2 , 2020

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WASHINGTON ― Residents of Swann Street NW in the nation’s capital opened their homes to protesters who were trapped by law enforcement officers during a demonstration against police violence on Monday.
Not long after President Donald Trump vowed to crack down on riots and had federal law enforcement officials fire tear gas at peaceful crowds so he could hold a Bible during a photo op in front of a church, police kettled demonstrators on a D.C. street a few blocks south of 14th and U Street NW. This area was the center of the 1968 riots following the death of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Police trap demonstrators on Swann Street NW in Washington, D.C. Igor Bobic / HuffPost
Although there has been extensive looting and rioting in D.C. over the past few days, there was no evidence that any of the demonstrators who police swept up in a mass arrest Monday were involved.
HuffPost spoke with one protester who was caught in the kettle. She agreed to be named, but HuffPost has chosen to withhold her identity to avoid aiding police in her arrest or a potential case against her. The 22-year-old said that the protesters were peaceful before they walked into the trap.
“There weren’t even water bottles being thrown. It was all just chants,” she said. “The moment we made that right onto the street, they kind of started charging us.”
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“You turn to the left, there’s another alley, cops are there. Then you turn to the right, there’s another alley, cops are there,” she said.
“So people just start knocking on doors,” she said. “We were fortunate enough to recognize some people, and we didn’t even know they lived on this block, and we were able to stay... Thank God, it was honestly fate.”
The protester said other demonstrators were “frantic” and “didn’t know what to do” when police trapped them.
At least two reporters were caught in the chaos. One said they were unjustifiably pepper-sprayed and later released when they identified themselves as a journalist; the other said they were able to escape through a backdoor after being let into someone’s home.
A reporter with The Washington Post identified one homeowner who aided protesters as Rahul Dubey, a 44-year-old Indian American and the owner of a healthcare innovations company.
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He choked up talking about watching police beat people. “It was a human tsunami. I was hanging on my railing yelling, ‘Get in the house! Get in the house!’” — Derek Hawkins (@D_Hawk) June 2, 2020
The arrests took place after the 7 p.m. curfew set by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D). Prosecutions in the nation’s capital aren’t handled by a locally elected district attorney but by the Trump-controlled U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
The Justice Department is already preparing for a major crackdown on rioting. Federal prosecutors in D.C. have previously charged more than 200 Trump inauguration protesters who were caught in a police kettle with felony charges that exposed them to decades in prison.
The Metropolitan Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Here are some tweets from the scene:
A live look from DC where my friend is telling me police have boxed them in and are refusing to let anyone leave. Despite numerous requests to leave or speak to someone they are being meant with total silence and made to stay atm. #DCPROTEST pic.twitter.com/Aqr6UJAvvP — DJ Jake Maxwell (UltraPup) (@DJUltraPup) June 2, 2020
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Tomorrow’s headline:
100+ riot police and military deployed to arrest uber dangerous protesters while they dance to Michael Jackson #DCPROTEST pic.twitter.com/ibALQ0SItj — Lindsay Apperson (@lmappers) June 2, 2020
Protesters chant “Let us leave! Let us leave!” Police have them trapped on 15th & Swann ST pic.twitter.com/PBB9jUM3SU — Phillip Nieto (@nieto_phillip) June 2, 2020
Law enforcement used teargas to push protesters down Swann St. at the intersection of Swann and 15th NW.
I was also sprayed and shoved by officers despite identifying myself as a reporter.@dcexaminer pic.twitter.com/SXfiEpSSeh — Mike Brest (@MikeBrestDC) June 2, 2020
NEW: “We weren’t doing anything violent, they pepper sprayed us right up to the doorway.” Just talked to a nurse, one of about SIXTY people taken in by the owner of a house on Swann St NW, after they were blocked in by police pursuing/arresting curfew violators @nbcwashington — Jackie Bensen (@jackiebensen) June 2, 2020
It’s not clear there is any good way for this to end. Protesters are totally boxed in with nowhere to go. pic.twitter.com/1mxnbWVdgt — Stephanie Mencimer (@smencimer) June 2, 2020
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I am safe. Hunkered down in someone’s home in NW DC for a couple of hours with no real safe way to leave until now. Slipped out the back door and into an alley. #dcprotest — Ken Duffy (@KenDuffyNews) June 2, 2020
Protesters zip tied and waiting to be loaded into police vans to be taken to jail #dcprotest #swannstreet. Police are still trying to coax many out of houses on the street. pic.twitter.com/n6hfQn2Jt7 — Jay Newton-Small (@JNSmall) June 2, 2020
NEW: “We weren’t doing anything violent, they pepper sprayed us right up to the doorway.” Just talked to a nurse, one of about SIXTY people taken in by the owner of a house on Swann St NW, after they were blocked in by police pursuing/arresting curfew violators @nbcwashington — Jackie Bensen (@jackiebensen) June 2, 2020
another neighbor just opened their door and let protestors run in, Police followed them in pic.twitter.com/01StC2m8Sa — Meka (@MekaFromThe703) June 2, 2020
DC, tonight MPD cops under the authority of @ChiefNewsham and @MayorBowser unleashed tear gas into a private home that took in dozens of protesters after they were cornered off for arrests in a neighborhood.
This is an absolutely disgusting abuse of power by @DCPoliceDept. pic.twitter.com/Rq7nYLiGNT — Alex Taliadoros (@AlexCTaliadoros) June 2, 2020
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-02--Conservative Icon George Will Urges November Sweep: Vote Out Trump, All GOP Enablers

Longtime conservative commentator and columnist George Will says voters must do more than reject President Donald Trump in November .
They need to vote against his Republican “ enablers ” too ― especially in the Senate .
In a column published in The Washington Post , Will talked about how Trump once urged police not to be “ too nice ” when making an arrest .
“ His hope was fulfilled for 8 minutes and 46 seconds on Minneapolis pavement , ” Will wrote , referring to the police killing of George Floyd , a Black man whose death set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the nation .
Will , who quit the Republican Party in 2016 when it became clear Trump would be the party ’ s candidate , said the underlying problems behind the nation ’ s unrest predate this presidency and will still be with us when he ’ s gone .
“ The measures necessary for restoration of national equilibrium are many and will be protracted far beyond his removal , ” Will wrote .
But one measure should be the removal of Trump ’ s supporters in Congress who “ still gambol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for petting.
” And for those who think Trump might have reached rock bottom , Will warned that there was no such thing with this president .
“ So , assume that the worst is yet to come , ” Will wrote .

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Longtime conservative commentator and columnist George Will says voters must do more than reject President Donald Trump in November. They need to vote against his Republican “enablers” too ― especially in the Senate.
In a column published in The Washington Post, Will talked about how Trump once urged police not to be “too nice” when making an arrest.
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“His hope was fulfilled for 8 minutes and 46 seconds on Minneapolis pavement,” Will wrote, referring to the police killing of George Floyd, a Black man whose death set off a wave of protests and unrest around the nation.
Will, who quit the Republican Party in 2016 when it became clear Trump would be the party’s candidate, said the underlying problems behind the nation’s unrest predate this presidency and will still be with us when he’s gone.
“The measures necessary for restoration of national equilibrium are many and will be protracted far beyond his removal,” Will wrote.
But one measure should be the removal of Trump’s supporters in Congress who “still gambol around his ankles with a canine hunger for petting.” And for those who think Trump might have reached rock bottom, Will warned that there was no such thing with this president.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-01--Of Course Donald Trump Gassed Americans For A Photo-Op

Standing in front of the historic St. John ’ s Episcopal Church on H Street across from the White House , President Donald Trump held a Bible in his hand like one of his patented Trump Steaks .
The church , which every president since James Madison has attended at least once , suffered minor damage after a fire was set amid protests in response to the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police .
“ It ’ s a Bible , ” Trump said as he shifted the book into different positions for the photographers .
The cameras had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where he ’ d delivered an address to the American public , promising to send the U.S. military into states that did not deploy “ an overwhelming law enforcement presence ” to end protests , whether governors asked for troops or not .
In order for Trump to be able to walk to the church ― and to provide a backing track for his menacing speech ― National Guardsmen opened fire with tear gas , flash-bang grenades and pepper pellets on a peaceful demonstration just outside the White House .
Protesters were gathered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president and others to stop police brutality and anti-Black racism ; instead , they wound up being pushed off the street by military police on horseback and driving back by tear gas well before the city ’ s 7 p.m. curfew .
Staging presentations for television is what the president does .
Trump , who played upon his image as a successful businessman on a reality TV show before becoming president , does not see himself as anything but the lead actor in a drama about himself .
He does not see the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World leaders are supporting actors .
The rest of us are extras .
He gasses us and sets the military against us to color the background of his speeches .
Our cries are just off-camera background .
The same president boasted about TV ratings of his White House coronavirus briefings as more than 100,000 Americans died of COVID-19 , showing that human lives aren ’ t as important as his image .
He does this because this is who he is ― and only who he is .
The only way to explain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ screen .
Trump ’ s career as a real estate mogul and cosmopolitan Manhattan playboy launched just as television had conquered American news and with it the American mind in the mid-1970s .
The destructive intrusion into the news business by corporate executives is best captured in the brilliant 1976 film “ Network , ” written by Paddy Chayefsky , in which unscrupulous executives ride the ratings success of their storied newscaster ’ s mental breakdown until he causes them too much trouble and they have him assassinated by similarly unscrupulous left-wing radicals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hell , ” but he ’ s is not like Network ’ s central character , Howard Beale , the “ mad prophet of the airwaves , ” played by Peter Finch , who is seduced by the right-wing utopian corporate ideology of his station ’ s owner , Arthur Jensen , before being murdered for turning his rants against Saudi investments in Jensen ’ s businesses .
No , Trump is the amoral , manic and attention deficit disordered network executive Diana Christensen ( a peak Faye Dunaway role ) .
Christensen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediate gratification ― whether it be from the ratings of her shows or in the bedroom .
She corrupts left-wing radicals with promises to bring their message to the silver screen .
And she takes on Max Schumacher ( William Holden ) , the grizzled veteran reporter and friend of Beale , as a lover .
He leaves his wife for her , but he ’ s just another brief interruption .
Before the film ’ s climax with Christensen orchestrating the assassination of Beale ― for ratings and to appease corporate higher-ups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In his devastating break-up speech , he explains what the obsession of television does to the human soul .
His monologue also perfectly captures Trump .
“ You ’ re television incarnate , ” Max says .
“ Indifferent to suffering ; insensitive to joy .
All of life is reduced to the common rubble of banality .
War , murder , death are all the same to you as bottles of beer .
And the daily business of life is a corrupt comedy.
” Schumacher ’ s assault on Christensen ends as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ happy ending.
” He ’ ll return to his wife , “ with whom he has established a long and sustaining love .
Heartless young woman left alone in her arctic desolation .
Music up with a swell ; final commercial .
And here are a few scenes from next week ’ s show .
”

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Standing in front of the historic St. John’s Episcopal Church on H Street across from the White House, President Donald Trump held a Bible in his hand like one of his patented Trump Steaks. The church, which every president since James Madison has attended at least once, suffered minor damage after a fire was set amid protests in response to the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. “It’s a Bible,” Trump said as he shifted the book into different positions for the photographers.
The cameras had followed him from the White House, where he’d delivered an address to the American public, promising to send the U.S. military into states that did not deploy “an overwhelming law enforcement presence” to end protests, whether governors asked for troops or not.
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In order for Trump to be able to walk to the church ― and to provide a backing track for his menacing speech ― National Guardsmen opened fire with tear gas, flash-bang grenades and pepper pellets on a peaceful demonstration just outside the White House. Protesters were gathered in Lafayette Park to plead for the president and others to stop police brutality and anti-Black racism; instead, they wound up being pushed off the street by military police on horseback and driving back by tear gas well before the city’s 7 p.m. curfew.
All so Trump could get the perfect image to show he’s not hiding in a bunker as America is in crisis.
Staging presentations for television is what the president does. Trump, who played upon his image as a successful businessman on a reality TV show before becoming president, does not see himself as anything but the lead actor in a drama about himself. He does not see the world as anything but a set. World leaders are supporting actors. The rest of us are extras. He gasses us and sets the military against us to color the background of his speeches. Our cries are just off-camera background. The same president boasted about TV ratings of his White House coronavirus briefings as more than 100,000 Americans died of COVID-19, showing that human lives aren’t as important as his image.
He does this because this is who he is ― and only who he is. The only way to explain him, therefore, is through the screen.
Advertisement
Trump’s career as a real estate mogul and cosmopolitan Manhattan playboy launched just as television had conquered American news and with it the American mind in the mid-1970s. The destructive intrusion into the news business by corporate executives is best captured in the brilliant 1976 film “Network,” written by Paddy Chayefsky, in which unscrupulous executives ride the ratings success of their storied newscaster’s mental breakdown until he causes them too much trouble and they have him assassinated by similarly unscrupulous left-wing radicals.
President Donald Trump walks past police in riot gear in Lafayette Park after he stood for photos Monday in front of St. John's Episcopal Church. Patrick Semansky/ASSOCIATED PRESS
Trump might be “mad as hell,” but he’s is not like Network’s central character, Howard Beale, the “mad prophet of the airwaves,” played by Peter Finch, who is seduced by the right-wing utopian corporate ideology of his station’s owner, Arthur Jensen, before being murdered for turning his rants against Saudi investments in Jensen’s businesses.
No, Trump is the amoral, manic and attention deficit disordered network executive Diana Christensen (a peak Faye Dunaway role). Christensen doesn’t care about anything except immediate gratification ― whether it be from the ratings of her shows or in the bedroom. She corrupts left-wing radicals with promises to bring their message to the silver screen. And she takes on Max Schumacher (William Holden), the grizzled veteran reporter and friend of Beale, as a lover. He leaves his wife for her, but he’s just another brief interruption.
Before the film’s climax with Christensen orchestrating the assassination of Beale ― for ratings and to appease corporate higher-ups ― Schumacher breaks up with her. In his devastating break-up speech, he explains what the obsession of television does to the human soul. His monologue also perfectly captures Trump.
Advertisement
“You’re television incarnate,” Max says. “Indifferent to suffering; insensitive to joy. All of life is reduced to the common rubble of banality. War, murder, death are all the same to you as bottles of beer. And the daily business of life is a corrupt comedy.”
“You’re madness,” Max finishes. “Virulent madness. And everything you touch dies with you.”
Schumacher’s assault on Christensen ends as he says that it’s a “happy ending.” He’ll return to his wife, “with whom he has established a long and sustaining love. Heartless young woman left alone in her arctic desolation. Music up with a swell; final commercial. And here are a few scenes from next week’s show.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-01--Republicans Have Some Concerns With Donald Trump's Tone Right Now

As Donald Trump vowed to crack down on nationwide protests against police brutality on Monday , Republican lawmakers expressed uneasiness with the president ’ s rhetoric just days after a white police officer killed a Black man by kneeling on his neck .
“ The country is looking for healing and calm .
And I think the president needs to project that in his tone .
He masters that sometimes , and ... that ’ s the tone he needs to strike right now , ” Senate Majority Whip John Thune ( R-S.D . )
told reporters on Capitol Hill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the demonstrations .
After protests intensified in Minneapolis and other cities following George Floyd ’ s death last week , Trump predicted on Twitter that local looting could lead to “ shooting , ” a phrase with racist origins dating back to the civil rights movement in the 1960s .
Over the weekend , Trump appeared to invite his supporters to the grounds near the White House where protesters had clashed with Secret Service and U.S. Park Police , raising concerns that the unrest could escalate further .
And on a contentious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s governors , Trump said they would be “ weak ” and “ fools ” if they do not “ dominate ” demonstrations in their states , some of which turned violent overnight .
“ If you don ’ t dominate , you ’ re wasting your time .
They ’ re going to run over you ― you ’ re going to look like a bunch of jerks .
You have to dominate , ” Trump told the nation ’ s chief executives , suggesting the military might get involved to break @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heated rhetoric over the last several days also didn ’ t sit well with some Republican senators , who voiced concern about the message coming from the White House at an extremely volatile period in U.S. history .
“ It would be helpful if he would change the tone of his message , ” said Sen. Pat Toomey ( R-Pa. ) in remarks to reporters in his state .
In a speech on the Senate floor addressing the unrest over Floyd ’ s death , Sen. Susan Collins ( R-Maine ) urged the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racial divisions in this country.
” Sen. James Lankford ( R-Okla. ) also took issue with Trump ’ s tweet about looting and shooting , but he said the majority of the president ’ s public remarks about the protests and his condolences over Floyd ’ s death were positive .
“ I don ’ t like the way he ’ s done the tone on those , but I think a lot of people have picked up those [ individual tweets ] and just ignored everything else , ” Lankford said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ one-week recess on Monday evening .
Lawmakers were greeted by several hundred Black Lives Matter protesters in front of the U.S. Capitol , as well as dozens of Capitol Police officers , some of whom wore riot gear .
Meanwhile , at the White House , Trump delivered a surprise address from the Rose Garden in which he threatened to deploy the U.S. military to protest sites unless governors “ dominate the streets ” with an “ overwhelming law enforcement presence.
” As he spoke , police flash-bang explosions could be heard nearby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House , where hundreds of D.C. National Guard troops used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse peaceful groups of protesters .
After delivering his remarks , Trump then walked out of the White House and across the cleared park to St. John ’ s Church , where a fire had broken out during protests on Sunday night .
He held up a copy of the Bible and posed for a photo-op with members of his Cabinet .

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As Donald Trump vowed to crack down on nationwide protests against police brutality on Monday, Republican lawmakers expressed uneasiness with the president’s rhetoric just days after a white police officer killed a Black man by kneeling on his neck.
“The country is looking for healing and calm. And I think the president needs to project that in his tone. He masters that sometimes, and ... that’s the tone he needs to strike right now,” Senate Majority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) told reporters on Capitol Hill when asked the president’s handling of the demonstrations.
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After protests intensified in Minneapolis and other cities following George Floyd’s death last week, Trump predicted on Twitter that local looting could lead to “shooting,” a phrase with racist origins dating back to the civil rights movement in the 1960s.
Over the weekend, Trump appeared to invite his supporters to the grounds near the White House where protesters had clashed with Secret Service and U.S. Park Police, raising concerns that the unrest could escalate further.
And on a contentious call on Monday with the nation’s governors, Trump said they would be “weak” and “fools” if they do not “dominate” demonstrations in their states, some of which turned violent overnight.
“If you don’t dominate, you’re wasting your time. They’re going to run over you ― you’re going to look like a bunch of jerks. You have to dominate,” Trump told the nation’s chief executives, suggesting the military might get involved to break up protests.
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Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) challenged Trump during the call, saying he was “extraordinarily concerned” about his response to the protests, calling it “inflammatory.”
The president’s heated rhetoric over the last several days also didn’t sit well with some Republican senators, who voiced concern about the message coming from the White House at an extremely volatile period in U.S. history.
“It would be helpful if he would change the tone of his message,” said Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) in remarks to reporters in his state.
In a speech on the Senate floor addressing the unrest over Floyd’s death, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) urged the president to “help to heal the racial divisions in this country.”
Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) also took issue with Trump’s tweet about looting and shooting, but he said the majority of the president’s public remarks about the protests and his condolences over Floyd’s death were positive.
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“I don’t like the way he’s done the tone on those, but I think a lot of people have picked up those [individual tweets] and just ignored everything else,” Lankford said.
The Senate returned to Washington after a one-week recess on Monday evening. Lawmakers were greeted by several hundred Black Lives Matter protesters in front of the U.S. Capitol, as well as dozens of Capitol Police officers, some of whom wore riot gear.
Donald Trump poses for a photo-op after saying he might deploy the military to stop national protests over police brutality and anti-Black racism. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI via Getty Images
Meanwhile, at the White House, Trump delivered a surprise address from the Rose Garden in which he threatened to deploy the U.S. military to protest sites unless governors “dominate the streets” with an “overwhelming law enforcement presence.”
As he spoke, police flash-bang explosions could be heard nearby at Lafayette Park across from the White House, where hundreds of D.C. National Guard troops used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse peaceful groups of protesters.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-06-02--Twitter Users Spot The Utter Hypocrisy Of Donald Trump’s Past Advice About Protests

President Donald Trump has previously been quick to dish out advice on how to deal with protesters .
But people on Twitter pointed out that Trump now suddenly doesn ’ t seem so keen on following his own ideas as demonstrations continue nationwide over the death of George Floyd , a Black man who died in Minneapolis last week after a police officer knelt on his neck .
Trump in August 2019 suggested Chinese President Xi Jinping should meet personally with anti-government protesters in Hong Kong .
“ There would be a happy and enlightened ending , ” Trump predicted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no doubt.
” If President Xi would meet directly and personally with the protesters , there would be a happy and enlightened ending to the Hong Kong problem .
I have no doubt !
https : //t.co/eFxMjgsG1K — Donald J. Trump ( @ realDonaldTrump ) August 15 , 2019 I know President Xi of China very well .
He is a great leader who very much has the respect of his people .
He is also a good man in a “ tough business.
” I have ZERO doubt that if President Xi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hong Kong problem , he can do it .
Personal meeting ?
— Donald J. Trump ( @ realDonaldTrump ) August 14 , 2019 Then , at the start of May , Trump urged Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer , a Democrat , to “ give a little , and put out the fire ” with mostly white protesters ― some of them armed ― who entered the Michigan Capitol building to protest stay-at-home orders aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus .
The Governor of Michigan should give a little , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are very good people , but they are angry .
They want their lives back again , safely !
See them , talk to them , make a deal .
— Donald J. Trump ( @ realDonaldTrump ) May 1 , 2020 The president has struck a markedly different tone during the Floyd demonstrations against racism .
In a telephone call on Monday , he urged governors to “ dominate ” protesters .
He ’ s also used inflammatory language and suggested protesters should be shot .
On Friday , Trump was reportedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House during nearby demonstrations .
Funny how black people that are angry about being killed do not receive the same treat https : //t.co/vvcVnT1aot — BLM ACAB ( @ weclimbedwalls ) June 2 , 2020 The President should give a little , and put out the fire .
These are very good people , but they are angry .
They want their lives back again , safely !
See them , talk to them , make a deal .
https : //t.co/4wKEGIcmOv — Vlad Savov ( @ vladsavov ) May 29 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with rifles walked freely through Michigan 's capitol to intimidate legislators into ending the coronavirus shutdowns , Trump 's response was `` give a little , and put out the fire . ''
Tonight , he 's itching to call in the military to act as civilian police .
https : //t.co/O0tFQhzFf7 — Dennis Mersereau ( @ wxdam ) May 31 , 2020

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President Donald Trump has previously been quick to dish out advice on how to deal with protesters.
But people on Twitter pointed out that Trump now suddenly doesn’t seem so keen on following his own ideas as demonstrations continue nationwide over the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died in Minneapolis last week after a police officer knelt on his neck.
Trump in August 2019 suggested Chinese President Xi Jinping should meet personally with anti-government protesters in Hong Kong. “There would be a happy and enlightened ending,” Trump predicted in one post. “I have no doubt.”
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If President Xi would meet directly and personally with the protesters, there would be a happy and enlightened ending to the Hong Kong problem. I have no doubt! https://t.co/eFxMjgsG1K — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 15, 2019
“Personal meeting?” he asked in another post:
I know President Xi of China very well. He is a great leader who very much has the respect of his people. He is also a good man in a “tough business.” I have ZERO doubt that if President Xi wants to quickly and humanely solve the Hong Kong problem, he can do it. Personal meeting? — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 14, 2019
Then, at the start of May, Trump urged Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, to “give a little, and put out the fire” with mostly white protesters ― some of them armed ― who entered the Michigan Capitol building to protest stay-at-home orders aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus.
The Governor of Michigan should give a little, and put out the fire. These are very good people, but they are angry. They want their lives back again, safely! See them, talk to them, make a deal. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 1, 2020
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The president has struck a markedly different tone during the Floyd demonstrations against racism.
In a telephone call on Monday, he urged governors to “dominate” protesters. He’s also used inflammatory language and suggested protesters should be shot. On Friday, Trump was reportedly rushed to an underground bunker in the White House during nearby demonstrations.
Twitter users pointed out Trump’s hypocrisy:
Funny how black people that are angry about being killed do not receive the same treat https://t.co/vvcVnT1aot — BLM ACAB (@weclimbedwalls) June 2, 2020
These tweets have aged very, very poorly. https://t.co/ouEr2ocGyy — Abraham M. Denmark (@AbeDenmark) June 2, 2020
Trump's approach, on May 1, with another group of protesters. https://t.co/8Q9KqlqlLI — Luke Johnson (@johnson) June 1, 2020
There's always a tweet https://t.co/eHl58m0vQ1 — Alex Ward (@AlexWardVox) June 2, 2020
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The President should give a little, and put out the fire. These are very good people, but they are angry. They want their lives back again, safely! See them, talk to them, make a deal. https://t.co/4wKEGIcmOv — Vlad Savov (@vladsavov) May 29, 2020
imagine if this were written about protestors pissed off about racism and police violence https://t.co/giOHQCPE0V — j.d. durkin (@jiveDurkey) June 1, 2020