inquisitr--2020-06-02--Donald Trump ‘Must Be Removed’ Along With His Enablers, Says Conservative Icon George Will

Conservative columnist George Will declared that Donald Trump “ must be removed ” from office when the United States goes to the polls in November , along with the people in the United States Congress who have enabled him .
The Pulitzer prize-winning journalist penned a scathing takedown of the president in his latest Washington Post opinion column .
Will did not hold back in expressing his disapproval of the way that Trump has handled the recent George Floyd protests and riots , the coronavirus pandemic , and other issues that have occurred during his presidency — beginning with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walked from the White House across the street to St. John ’ s Church on Monday to take photographs while holding a Bible in front of the boarded-up cathedral .
Will called out the president and his tweeting , but he also called out Congress for its supposed complicity in supporting the things he ’ s done throughout the last three and a half years .
“ Voters must dispatch his congressional enablers , especially the senators , ” he wrote .
For Will and some other never-Trump Republicans like those behind the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so far away from its initial ideals that it is time to altogether remove the party from power in an effort to start the whole thing over , which is something he noted would not happen quickly .
“ In life ’ s unforgiving arithmetic , we are the sum of our choices .
Congressional Republicans have made theirs for more than 1,200 days .
We can not know all the measures necessary to restore the nation ’ s domestic health and international standing , but we know the first step : Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ punishment for their Vichyite collaboration , leaving the Republican remnant to wonder : Was it sensible to sacrifice dignity , such as it ever was , and to shed principles , if convictions so easily jettisoned could be dignified as principles , for .
.
.
what ?
” In case people think that Trump has hit rock bottom at this point , Will warned that he likely hasn ’ t .
The long-time conservative , who officially left the Republican party when Trump became its apparent nominee in 2016 , told his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet to come when it comes to the president .
In his missive , Will also reminded people that Trump , at one time , asked the police not to be “ too nice ” when arresting suspects .
Further , he pointed to Floyd ’ s death while in the custody of four former Minneapolis police officers as something that fulfilled the president ’ s desire for harsher arrests on the part of authorities .


inquisitr--2020-06-03--James Mattis On Donald Trump: ‘We Are Witnessing The Consequences Of Three Years Without Mature Lead

James Mattis On Donald Trump: ‘We Are Witnessing The Consequences Of Three Years Without Mature Leadership’

Former Secretary of Defense James Mattis has written a scathing statement regarding how President Donald Trump has been handling the nationwide crisis over George Floyd ’ s death and the subsequent protests .
As this situation has escalated over the past week , a number of people have wondered if former administrative officials like Mattis would speak out .
Now , it seems he has decided he has something to say .
The Atlantic shared the details of what Mattis wrote and the former secretary of defense did not hold back .
“ I have watched this week ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The words ‘ Equal Justice Under Law ’ are carved into the pediment of the United States Supreme Court .
This is precisely what protesters are rightly demanding .
It is a wholesome and unifying demand–one that all of us should be able to get behind , ” Mattis wrote .
Mattis insisted that people needed to resist being distracted by what he said was a small number of lawbreakers .
He noted that there were tens of thousands of protesters who were pushing the country to live up to its values .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ those in office who would make a mockery of our Constitution , ” Mattis emphasized .
Later in his statement , Mattis specifically addressed his thoughts on how Trump has handled the current crisis .
“ Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people–does not even pretend to try .
Instead , he tries to divide us .
We are witnessing the consequences of three years of this deliberate effort .
We are witnessing the consequences of three years without mature leadership , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out against the president ’ s decisions before .
However , it seems that the current upheaval across the nation has sparked a desire in him to be more forthright than he ’ s typically been in the past .
The former Trump Cabinet member said that he believes the country can unite without the president ’ s leadership .
However , he acknowledged , it will not be easy .
Mattis also drew a comparison between the American values of unity against the Nazi ideology of dividing and conquering .
Despite previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump when the time was right , Mattis has been mostly silent since leaving the administration .
He explained that he felt he needed to stay silent in part to allow those still in the administration room to work .
Now , that time in which he felt he owed the administration his silence had ended .
The statement written by Mattis also referred to Trump ’ s recent visit to St. John ’ s as a bizarre photo opportunity and an abuse of executive authority .
In addition , he admitted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ordered to violate the Constitution .
Mattis had some harsh words for current Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and other senior officials too .
He admonished the administration for setting up what he deemed a false conflict between civilians and the military and said he believed it eroded a trusted bond .
Ultimately , Mattis insisted that the country can get through this time of unrest and be stronger and more united as a result .

Former Secretary of Defense James Mattis has written a scathing statement regarding how President Donald Trump has been handling the nationwide crisis over George Floyd’s death and the subsequent protests. As this situation has escalated over the past week, a number of people have wondered if former administrative officials like Mattis would speak out. Now, it seems he has decided he has something to say.
The Atlantic shared the details of what Mattis wrote and the former secretary of defense did not hold back.
“I have watched this week’s unfolding events, angry and appalled. The words ‘Equal Justice Under Law’ are carved into the pediment of the United States Supreme Court. This is precisely what protesters are rightly demanding. It is a wholesome and unifying demand–one that all of us should be able to get behind,” he stated.
Mattis insisted that people needed to resist being distracted by what he said was a small number of lawbreakers. He noted that there were tens of thousands of protesters who were pushing the country to live up to its values.
“We must reject and hold accountable those in office who would make a mockery of our Constitution.”
Later in his statement, Mattis specifically addressed his thoughts on how Trump has handled the ongoing crisis.
“Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people–does not even pretend to try. Instead, he tries to divide us. We are witnessing the consequences of three years of this deliberate effort. We are witnessing the consequences of three years without mature leadership,” he exclaimed.
Mattis has spoken out against the president’s decisions before. However, it seems that the current upheaval across the nation has sparked a desire in him to be more forthright than he’s typically been in the past.
The former Trump cabinet member said that he believes the country can unite without the president’s leadership. However, he acknowledged that it will not be easy. Mattis also drew a comparison between the American values of unity against the Nazi ideology of dividing and conquering.
Despite previously signaling that he would speak up against Trump when the time was right, Mattis has been mostly silent since leaving the administration. He explained that he felt he needed to stay silent in part to allow those still in the administration room to work.
Mattis’ comments also referred to Trump’s recent visit to St. John’s as a bizarre photo opportunity and an abuse of executive authority. In addition, he admitted that he never imagined that troops would be ordered to violate the Constitution.
Mattis had some harsh words for current Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and other senior officials as well. He admonished the administration for setting up what he deemed a false conflict between civilians and the military, adding that he believes it eroded a trusted bond.
Ultimately, Mattis insisted that the country can get through this time of unrest and be stronger and more united as a result.


inquisitr--2020-06-03--Van Jones Says 2020 Presidential Race Is ‘Hard To Call’ Amid George Floyd Protests

During a Tuesday conversation on CNN about the George Floyd protests , network commentator Van Jones touched on the uncertain state of the 2020 presidential elections and the different response to the riots from both ends of the political spectrum , Breitbart reported .
“ I am always shocked by the tale of two countries when I talk to my friends on the right , ” he said .
Jones claimed that the people he has spoken to on the left of the political spectrum are “ outraged ” by Donald Trump ’ s deployment of the military within the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CNN commentator claims the people he has spoken to who hold right-wing political beliefs support the use of force to push back against the disruption created by the protests .
Jones also noted that the right-wing media has pushed Trump to be more aggressive , while the left-wing press made fun of the president for “ hiding in the bunker.
” According to Jones , Trump ’ s Monday appearance at St. John ’ s Church , which saw police officers use tear gas and flash grenades to disperse the crowd in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states feeling “ comforted.
” As reported by CNN , Trump and presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden have clashed in their approaches to the pandemic .
While the publication claims Trump ’ s campaign hinges on his ability to feed “ fear , acrimony and confrontation , ” it claims that Biden ’ s role is to become a “ vehicle ” for the country ’ s purported opposition to the president ’ s “ rhetoric and tactics.
” But as Jones pointed out , the country ’ s view on the effectiveness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be divided across party lines .
Biden recently surged past Trump in a Washington Post/ABC News poll that was released on Sunday .
According to the survey , Biden has support from 53 percent of registered voters nationally , while Trump has 43 percent support .
Per The Lines , Biden ’ s promising poll numbers have brought him even with Trump in election betting markets .
However , the publication noted that Trump is still marginally the favorite to win among oddsmakers .
According to The Lines , oddsmakers likely believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic rebound ” as the country reopens .

During a Tuesday conversation on CNN about the George Floyd protests, network commentator Van Jones touched on the uncertain state of the 2020 presidential elections and the different response to the riots from both ends of the political spectrum, Breitbart reported.
“I am always shocked by the tale of two countries when I talk to my friends on the right,” he said.
Jones claimed that the people he has spoken to on the left of the political spectrum are “outraged” by Donald Trump’s deployment of the military within the United States borders.
“They see it as something that is violating our laws, our norms.”
Conversely, the CNN commentator claims the people he has spoken to who hold right-wing political beliefs support the use of force to push back against the disruption created by the protests. Jones also noted that the right-wing media has pushed Trump to be more aggressive, while the left-wing press made fun of the president for “hiding in the bunker.”
According to Jones, Trump’s Monday appearance at St. John’s Church, which saw police officers use tear gas and flash grenades to disperse the crowd in the area, left some people in red states feeling “comforted.”
“And so that’s something that makes this thing very, very hard to predict. I think the president has a smaller base than he needs, but a very intense base. I think [Joe] Biden has a broader base, but lacking in intensity. That matchup is still hard to call.”
Q Poll: Trump and Biden in dead heat in Texas. pic.twitter.com/2A0jS626z4 — Ken Herman (@kherman) June 3, 2020
As reported by CNN, Trump and presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden have clashed in their approaches to the pandemic. While the publication claims Trump’s campaign hinges on his ability to feed “fear, acrimony and confrontation,” it claims that Biden’s role is to become a “vehicle” for the country’s purported opposition to the president’s “rhetoric and tactics.” But as Jones pointed out, the country’s view on the effectiveness of the president’s tactics appears to be divided across party lines.
Biden recently surged past Trump in a Washington Post/ABC News poll that was released on Sunday. According to the survey, Biden has support from 53 percent of registered voters nationally, while Trump has 43 percent support.
Per The Lines, Biden’s promising poll numbers have brought him even with Trump in election betting markets. However, the publication noted that Trump is still marginally the favorite to win among oddsmakers. According to The Lines, oddsmakers likely believe the president will benefit from an “economic rebound” as the country reopens.


inquisitr--2020-06-03--Donald Trump Moves To Block Chinese Airlines From Flying Into The United States

Donald Trump and his administration made moves to block Chinese airlines from flying into the United States on Wednesday , according to an Associated Press report .
The move appears to be another escalation of the tensions between both nations .
The suspension will begin on June 16 , and it comes after China declined to allow United Airlines and Delta Air Lines to resume commercial flights to China this month .
The reason the trips were canceled initially is because of the coronavirus pandemic , which originated in Wuhan , China .
According to the U.S. Transportation Department , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between both countries .
The four Chinese airlines that will be suspended include Air China , China Eastern Airlines , China Southern Airlines , and Xiamen Airlines .
“ The Department will continue to engage our Chinese counterparts so both U.S. and Chinese carriers can fully exercise their bilateral rights , ” the agency said in a statement .
“ In the meantime , we will allow Chinese carriers to operate the same number of scheduled passenger flights as the Chinese government allows ours.
” The formal order signed by the Transportation Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Szabat , noted that China is not able to say when it will allow U.S. flights to resume , Reuters reported .
Pre-coronavirus , roughly 325 passenger flights flew from the U.S. to China each week .
Ultimately , the U.S. carriers stopped them entirely .
Still , Chinese airlines pushed forward with dozens of trips per week to the U.S. As reported , the move to stop flights represents an effort to pressure China to allow U.S. airlines to start flying passengers there again .
Delta spokeswoman Lisa Hanna indicated that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure fairness .
Meanwhile , United Airlines spokesman Frank Benenati said that the carrier looks forward to resuming regular flights between the U.S. and China as soon as it ’ s allowed to do so .
On May 22 , Trump ’ s administration accused China of not allowing U.S. carriers to resume their flights , and on that date , it made Chinese airlines file their flight schedules with the U.S. government .
In addition to limits on commercial flights , the president ’ s administration warned that there would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helped Chinese students fly home from the U.S. — as well .
The Transportation Department noted that it believed that the chartered flights were an attempt to circumvent current limits , which gave Chinese airlines a further advantage over U.S. carriers in passenger flights .
Both Delta and United continue to fly cargo flights to China .

Donald Trump and his administration made moves to block Chinese airlines from flying into the United States on Wednesday, according to an Associated Press report. The move appears to be another escalation of the tensions between both nations.
The suspension will begin on June 16, and it comes after China declined to allow United Airlines and Delta Air Lines to resume commercial flights to China this month. The reason the trips were canceled initially is because of the coronavirus pandemic, which originated in Wuhan, China.
According to the U.S. Transportation Department, China is violating an agreement governing flights between both countries. The four Chinese airlines that will be suspended include Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines.
“The Department will continue to engage our Chinese counterparts so both U.S. and Chinese carriers can fully exercise their bilateral rights,” the agency said in a statement. “In the meantime, we will allow Chinese carriers to operate the same number of scheduled passenger flights as the Chinese government allows ours.”
The formal order signed by the Transportation Department’s top aviation official, Joel Szabat, noted that China is not able to say when it will allow U.S. flights to resume, Reuters reported.
Pre-coronavirus, roughly 325 passenger flights flew from the U.S. to China each week. Ultimately, the U.S. carriers stopped them entirely. Still, Chinese airlines pushed forward with dozens of trips per week to the U.S. As reported, the move to stop flights represents an effort to pressure China to allow U.S. airlines to start flying passengers there again.
Delta spokeswoman Lisa Hanna indicated that the company supports the government’s efforts to ensure fairness. Meanwhile, United Airlines spokesman Frank Benenati said that the carrier looks forward to resuming regular flights between the U.S. and China as soon as it’s allowed to do so.
On May 22, Trump’s administration accused China of not allowing U.S. carriers to resume their flights, and on that date, it made Chinese airlines file their flight schedules with the U.S. government. In addition to limits on commercial flights, the president’s administration warned that there would be crackdowns on chartered trips — which have helped Chinese students fly home from the U.S. — as well.
The Transportation Department noted that it believed that the chartered flights were an attempt to circumvent current limits, which gave Chinese airlines a further advantage over U.S. carriers in passenger flights. Both Delta and United continue to fly cargo flights to China.


inquisitr--2020-06-03--President Trump Denies Being Taken To A White House Bunker For His Safety, Says It Was An ‘Inspectio

President Trump Denies Being Taken To A White House Bunker For His Safety, Says It Was An ‘Inspection’

'It was a false report , ' he said .
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday denied being taken to a White House bunker for his safety , saying that he only went there to carry out an inspection , CNBC reported .
The New York Times first broke the story that the president was taken to the White House ’ s emergency bunker as protests raged outside .
According to that report , Trump was taken to the bunker on Friday , May 31 .
However , a subsequent report , this time by NBC News , cited an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president was taken to the bunker on Sunday , not Friday .
The official said that he was taken to the bunker “ out of an abundance of caution , ” and that he was there for a brief period of time before returning to his private quarters .
Speaking to Fox News Radio , Trump denied being taken to the bunker for his safety at all and said that he went there to inspect it .
“ It was a false report .
I wasn ’ t down [ in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brian Kilmeade .
He then admitted that he was there , but only to inspect it .
“ I went down during the day and I was there for a tiny , little short period of time and it was much more for an inspection , there was no problem during the day , ” he said .
Kilmeade pressed his guest for details , asking if the Secret Service told him to go to the bunker for his safety .
“ Nope , they didn ’ t tell me that at all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , however , say that the Secret Service told him it would be a good idea to check out the bunker .
He also said that , during his presidency , he had entered the bunker “ two and a half times.
” He did not specify when or why he had previously been taken to the bunker .
And as for the protesters outside the White House , Trump told Kilmeade that there was “ never a problem.
” As previously reported by The Inquisitr , those reports that he was taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ informed much of the president ’ s behavior since then .
Specifically , CNN White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins reported that Trump was upset by media coverage about purportedly being sent to take shelter in the bunker .
Further , Collins reported that Trump chose to stage his photo op in front of the nearby St. John ’ s Church while holding a Bible because he wanted to be seen outside the White House gates .

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday denied being taken to a White House bunker for his safety, saying that he only went there to carry out an inspection, CNBC reported.
The New York Times first broke the story that the president was taken to the White House’s emergency bunker as protests raged outside. According to that report, Trump was taken to the bunker on Friday, May 31. However, a subsequent report, this time by NBC News, cited an unnamed Trump administration official who said that the president was taken to the bunker on Sunday, not Friday. The official said that he was taken to the bunker “out of an abundance of caution,” and that he was there for a brief period of time before returning to his private quarters.
Speaking to Fox News Radio, Trump denied being taken to the bunker for his safety at all and said that he went there to inspect it.
“It was a false report. I wasn’t down [in the bunker],” he told host Brian Kilmeade.
He then admitted that he was there, but only to inspect it.
“I went down during the day and I was there for a tiny, little short period of time and it was much more for an inspection, there was no problem during the day,” he said.
Kilmeade pressed his guest for details, asking if the Secret Service told him to go to the bunker for his safety.
“Nope, they didn’t tell me that at all,” he said.
He did, however, say that the Secret Service told him it would be a good idea to check out the bunker. He also said that, during his presidency, he had entered the bunker “two and a half times.” He did not specify when or why he had previously been taken to the bunker.
And as for the protesters outside the White House, Trump told Kilmeade that there was “never a problem.”
As previously reported by The Inquisitr, those reports that he was taken to the White House bunker may have informed much of the president’s behavior since then. Specifically, CNN White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins reported that Trump was upset by media coverage about purportedly being sent to take shelter in the bunker. Further, Collins reported that Trump chose to stage his photo op in front of the nearby St. John’s Church while holding a Bible because he wanted to be seen outside the White House gates.


inquisitr--2020-06-03--Nancy Pelosi Blasts Uses Of Tear Gas To Disperse White House Protesters For Trump Photo-Op

'What is this , a banana republic ? '
she asked .
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi criticized President Donald Trump on Wednesday after tear gas was used to disperse a largely-peaceful protest in front of the White House , MSNBC News reported .
On Monday , as previously reported by The Inquisitr , police purportedly used tear gas and flash-bang grenades to disperse the crowd that was protesting in front of the White House .
Shortly thereafter , Trump and his team walked down the street to the nearby St. John ’ s Church , where he posed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Morning Joe , Pelosi noted that her daughter , Alexandra , who is a filmmaker and journalist , was at the White House protest on Monday and saw what happened firsthand .
“ She said : ‘ Mom , you wouldn ’ t even believe it .
These people were demonstrating peacefully .
And all of a sudden , this barrage of security came through using clubs to beat people and these explosive scat little bullets that explode into stuff that burns your eyes , ' ” Pelosi said of her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a third-world dictatorship .
“ For peaceful demonstrators to make way — make way for the president to walk through … what is this , a banana republic ?
” she asked , using a term coined by American satirist O. Henry to describe a country where an elite ruling class exploits the people and the military is used as its ( the ruling class ) private army .
The U.S. Park Police has claimed that protesters were throwing “ projectiles ” at police and has denied using tear gas on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a dispute that Pelosi appeared to acknowledge .
“ Maybe they didn ’ t have tear gas — I don ’ t know .
But they had elements of it , ” she said .
In fact , according to a WUSA-TV report , Park Police used a chemical agent known as Oleoresins Capiscum , which uses a similar chemical to tear gas and produces the same symptoms .
She also condemned Trump ’ s use of the Bible during the photo op that followed the clearing of protesters .
“ If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Bible and stand in front of a church , then your message should be consistent with that Bible and those values .
And of course , it was not , ” she said .
She also referenced religious leaders who have spoken out in support of the protesters , such as Pope Francis I and the archbishop of Washington , D.C .
It was the second time in as many days that Pelosi has criticized Trump for the photo op in front of the church .
On Monday , Pelosi took a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and used the Bible as well , only instead of holding it , she read from it .
Specifically , she read from the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes , and cited a verse that speaks of “ a time to heal .
”

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi criticized President Donald Trump on Wednesday after tear gas was used to disperse a largely-peaceful protest in front of the White House, MSNBC News reported.
On Monday, as previously reported by The Inquisitr, police purportedly used tear gas and flash-bang grenades to disperse the crowd that was protesting in front of the White House. Shortly thereafter, Trump and his team walked down the street to the nearby St. John’s Church, where he posed holding a Bible.
Speaking to MSNBC’s Morning Joe, Pelosi noted that her daughter, Alexandra, who is a filmmaker and journalist, was at the White House protest on Monday and saw what happened firsthand.
“She said: ‘Mom, you wouldn’t even believe it. These people were demonstrating peacefully. And all of a sudden, this barrage of security came through using clubs to beat people and these explosive scat little bullets that explode into stuff that burns your eyes,'” Pelosi said of her daughter.
She then likened the situation to a third-world dictatorship.
“For peaceful demonstrators to make way — make way for the president to walk through … what is this, a banana republic?” she asked, using a term coined by American satirist O. Henry to describe a country where an elite ruling class exploits the people and the military is used as its (the ruling class) private army.
The U.S. Park Police has claimed that protesters were throwing “projectiles” at police and has denied using tear gas on the protesters, according to The Washington Times, a dispute that Pelosi appeared to acknowledge.
“Maybe they didn’t have tear gas — I don’t know. But they had elements of it,” she said.
In fact, according to a WUSA-TV report, Park Police used a chemical agent known as Oleoresins Capiscum, which uses a similar chemical to tear gas and produces the same symptoms.
She also condemned Trump’s use of the Bible during the photo op that followed the clearing of protesters.
“If you’re going to hold up a Bible and stand in front of a church, then your message should be consistent with that Bible and those values. And of course, it was not,” she said.
She also referenced religious leaders who have spoken out in support of the protesters, such as Pope Francis I and the archbishop of Washington, D.C.
It was the second time in as many days that Pelosi has criticized Trump for the photo op in front of the church. On Monday, Pelosi took a page out of Trump’s book and used the Bible as well, only instead of holding it, she read from it. Specifically, she read from the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, and cited a verse that speaks of “a time to heal.”


inquisitr--2020-06-03--Washington National Guard Leaders Asking For Investigation Into The Use Of Helicopters To Disperse P

Washington National Guard Leaders Asking For Investigation Into The Use Of Helicopters To Disperse Protesters

The District of Columbia National Guard has asked for an investigation into the use of military helicopters to force protesters in the George Floyd demonstration to disperse , according to comments received by The Hill .
D.C. National Guard spokeswoman Air Force Lt. Col. Brooke Davis told the publication that one of her superiors has called for the investigation into the June 1 use of the aircraft .
The spokesperson went on to say that the guard ’ s mission is to keep citizens safe , and there is concern that the helicopters interfered with citizens ’ right to protest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the safety of our Citizen Soldiers and Airmen who support civil authorities as they perform their duties .
This is our home , and we are dedicated to the safety and security of our fellow citizens of the District and their right to safely and peacefully protest.
” Helicopters were used to assist in the enforcement of the new 7 p.m. curfew that was put into place after protests that devolved into riots came to the front gates of the White House just days ago .
According to The Hill , however , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the unarmed helicopter that had medevac and Red Cross markings on it .
Multiple aircraft with the markings were on duty and used to create a rotor wash , which is a harsh downward push of air , to disperse crowds .
Geoffrey Corn , a former Army lawyer and professor at the South Texas College of Law in Houston , told The Washington Post that the use of those particular aircraft was “ a foolish move ” and that the symbols note the “ noncombatant ” function .
The issue has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that were characterized as “ largely ” peaceful .
The Inquisitr previously reported on the use of helicopters during the protests in Washington , D.C. , with some hovering around 100 feet above the streets and forcing occupants to scatter .
The gusts of wind made it difficult for protesters and reporters to stay , or even open their eyes to move away from the area safely , thanks to sand and debris flying in the area .
Several windows were broken as well as small tree branches snapped in the downward force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did seem effective , however , with protests seeing a significant de-escalation from just days prior .

The District of Columbia National Guard has asked for an investigation into the use of military helicopters to force protesters in the George Floyd demonstration to disperse, according to comments received by The Hill.
D.C. National Guard spokeswoman Air Force Lt. Col. Brooke Davis told the publication that one of her superiors has called for the investigation into the June 1 use of the aircraft.
“Maj. Gen. William J. Walker, District of Columbia National Guard Commanding General, has directed an investigation into a June 1 low-flying maneuver conducted by one of our rotary aviation assets.”
The spokesperson went on to say that the guard’s mission is to keep citizens safe, and there is concern that the helicopters interfered with citizens’ right to protest peacefully.
“Our highest priority is the safety of our Citizen Soldiers and Airmen who support civil authorities as they perform their duties. This is our home, and we are dedicated to the safety and security of our fellow citizens of the District and their right to safely and peacefully protest.”
Helicopters were used to assist in the enforcement of the new 7 p.m. curfew that was put into place after protests that devolved into riots came to the front gates of the White House just days ago.
According to The Hill, however, the concern among guardsmen was the use of the unarmed helicopter that had medevac and Red Cross markings on it. Multiple aircraft with the markings were on duty and used to create a rotor wash, which is a harsh downward push of air, to disperse crowds.
Geoffrey Corn, a former Army lawyer and professor at the South Texas College of Law in Houston, told The Washington Post that the use of those particular aircraft was “a foolish move” and that the symbols note the “noncombatant” function.
The issue has drawn increased attention since guardsmen dispersed crowds that were characterized as “largely” peaceful.
The Inquisitr previously reported on the use of helicopters during the protests in Washington, D.C., with some hovering around 100 feet above the streets and forcing occupants to scatter. The gusts of wind made it difficult for protesters and reporters to stay, or even open their eyes to move away from the area safely, thanks to sand and debris flying in the area. Several windows were broken as well as small tree branches snapped in the downward force presented by the rotors.
The tactic did seem effective, however, with protests seeing a significant de-escalation from just days prior.


inquisitr--2020-06-02--Donald Trump ‘Wants People To Riot,’ Says Former GOP Presidential Candidate

One former Republican presidential candidate took to Twitter on Tuesday to warn people that he believes that President Donald Trump wants people to riot instead of peacefully protest .
Joe Walsh attempted to run against Trump in the primaries for the 2020 election , and he ended his campaign in early February .
However , he ’ s remained quite outspoken against the president .
“ Remember , NOTHING scares Trump more than millions & millions & millions of Americans peacefully protesting .
He ’ s scared to death of that .
Trump WANTS people to riot , loot , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hurt innocent people .
He REALLY wants all that to happen , ” Walsh tweeted .
The tweet received nearly 2,500 likes on the popular social media platform , and more than 750 accounts retweeted the sentiment .
However , both conservatives and liberals took the former presidential candidate to the task .
For some liberals , they could not overlook his prior support for Republicans , while conservatives did not appreciate him speaking out against the president .
The comments from Walsh came after several days of protests and some rioting across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George Floyd , who died in the custody of former Minneapolis , Minnesota , police officers on Memorial Day .
On Monday , the president walked from the White House to St. John ’ s Church across the street to take a photograph in front of it while holding a Bible .
To clear the path , National Guard troops used tear gas to clear out peaceful protestors , according to NPR , and the move caused much controversy , especially since Trump did not pray or offer any words of condolence .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ back came more than 30 minutes before the 7 p.m. curfew for Washington , D.C. , that Mayor Muriel Bowser had set for Monday evening .
Earlier in the day , Walsh explained his thoughts on the riots versus peaceful demonstrations in another tweet .
It appeared as if Walsh urged people to continue protesting Floyd ’ s death in a civil manner , and he asked them to stop rioting and looting .
Walsh wasn ’ t the only conservative voice to speak out against Trump in recent days as the chaos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstrations across the country .
Conservative icon George Will also encouraged voters to remove the president , as well as the GOP members of the House and Senate who have enabled him throughout his presidency .

One former Republican presidential candidate took to Twitter on Tuesday to warn people that he believes that President Donald Trump wants people to riot instead of peacefully protest. Joe Walsh attempted to run against Trump in the primaries for the 2020 election, and he ended his campaign in early February. However, he’s remained quite outspoken against the president.
“Remember, NOTHING scares Trump more than millions & millions & millions of Americans peacefully protesting. He’s scared to death of that. Trump WANTS people to riot, loot, burn sh*t, damage property, and hurt innocent people. He REALLY wants all that to happen,” Walsh tweeted.
The tweet received nearly 2,500 likes on the popular social media platform, and more than 750 accounts retweeted the sentiment. However, both conservatives and liberals took the former presidential candidate to the task. For some liberals, they could not overlook his prior support for Republicans, while conservatives did not appreciate him speaking out against the president.
The comments from Walsh came after several days of protests and some rioting across the United States after the death of George Floyd, who died in the custody of former Minneapolis, Minnesota, police officers on Memorial Day. On Monday, the president walked from the White House to St. John’s Church across the street to take a photograph in front of it while holding a Bible.
To clear the path, National Guard troops used tear gas to clear out peaceful protestors, according to NPR, and the move caused much controversy, especially since Trump did not pray or offer any words of condolence. The tear gas and authorities pushing protestors back came more than 30 minutes before the 7 p.m. curfew for Washington, D.C., that Mayor Muriel Bowser had set for Monday evening.
Earlier in the day, Walsh explained his thoughts on the riots versus peaceful demonstrations in another tweet.
“To date, the protests, the rioting & the looting have all added out to hurt Trump politically. But the longer the rioting & the looting continue, the more it helps Trump politically. Peaceful protests hurt Trump. Prolonged rioting & looting help Trump.”
It appeared as if Walsh urged people to continue protesting Floyd’s death in a civil manner, and he asked them to stop rioting and looting.
Walsh wasn’t the only conservative voice to speak out against Trump in recent days as the chaos increases amid the coronavirus pandemic and the demonstrations across the country. Conservative icon George Will also encouraged voters to remove the president, as well as the GOP members of the House and Senate who have enabled him throughout his presidency.


inquisitr--2020-06-04--Kayleigh McEnany’s Comparison Of Donald Trump To Winston Churchill Slammed By Author

White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany compared President Donald Trump ’ s Monday evening stroll to St. John ’ s Church to Winston Churchill on Wednesday , the AP reported .
However , the author of a book on Churchill , Erik Larson , slammed the press secretary ’ s comparison as almost obscene .
“ Through all of time , we ’ ve seen presidents and leaders across the world who have had leadership moments and very powerful symbols that were important for our nation to see at any given time to show a message of resilience and determination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Churchill , we saw him inspecting the bombing damage , and it sent a powerful message of leadership to the British people.
” During World War II , former British prime minister Churchill often inspected bomb damage in London during the yearlong blitz .
Trump walked to the church and posed in front of it with a Bible .
The structure had suffered some fire damage the evening before in the wake of protests and riots after George Floyd ’ s death in the custody of former Minneapolis police officers .
Many condemned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pushed peaceful protestors out using pepper balls and other devices .
According to McEnany , Trump ’ s visit to the damaged church sent a powerful message that riots and destruction will not be tolerated .
However , Larson , who wrote The Splendid and the Vile : A Saga of Churchill , Family , and Defiance During the Blitz , took to Twitter to express his extreme displeasure with the press secretary ’ s comparison .
First , he retweeted an article about the unexpected comparison , and he wrote a couple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that up with his own tweet .
“ Just wanted to say that I am appalled at the White House attempt to liken Trump ’ s bible stunt to Churchill visiting bombed-out neighborhoods .
The comparison verges on obscenity .
Churchill wept on these visits ; he offered compassion and hope , and helped people find their courage.
” Larson ’ s tweet received plenty of attention in the wake of McEnany ’ s comparison of Trump to Churchill .
Nearly 36,000 Twitter users hit the “ like ” button on the author @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost 10,000 accounts retweeted it , and nearly 1,000 users took the time to reply .
Some accounts tweeted side-by-side pictures of Churchill walking among citizens in London with Trump walking beside walls near the White House that had graffiti on them .
Others thanked the author and noted that they were reading or had read his book on the former British prime minister .
Earlier on Wednesday , retired General Mattis spoke out about Trump , calling recent events the culmination of three-and-a-half years of immature leadership , which some hoped would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Republican party to speak out against the president .

White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany compared President Donald Trump’s Monday evening stroll to St. John’s Church to Winston Churchill on Wednesday, the AP reported. However, the author of a book on Churchill, Erik Larson, slammed the press secretary’s comparison as almost obscene.
“Through all of time, we’ve seen presidents and leaders across the world who have had leadership moments and very powerful symbols that were important for our nation to see at any given time to show a message of resilience and determination,” said McEnany. “Like Churchill, we saw him inspecting the bombing damage, and it sent a powerful message of leadership to the British people.”
During World War II, former British Prime Minister Churchill often inspected bomb damage in London during the yearlong blitz. Trump walked to the church and posed in front of it with a Bible. The structure had suffered some fire damage the evening before in the wake of protests and riots following George Floyd’s death in the custody of former Minneapolis police officers. Many condemned the president’s photo-op because authorities pushed peaceful protesters out using pepper balls and other devices.
According to McEnany, Trump’s visit to the damaged church sent a powerful message that riots and destruction will not be tolerated. However, Larson, who wrote The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz, took to Twitter to express his extreme displeasure with the press secretary’s comparison. First, he retweeted an article about the unexpected comparison, and he wrote a couple of sentences. Then, he followed that up with his own tweet.
“Just wanted to say that I am appalled at the White House attempt to liken Trump’s bible stunt to Churchill visiting bombed-out neighborhoods. The comparison verges on obscenity. Churchill wept on these visits; he offered compassion and hope, and helped people find their courage.”
Larson’s tweet received plenty of attention in the wake of McEnany’s comparison of Trump to Churchill. Nearly 36,000 Twitter users hit the “like” button on the author’s strongly worded statement. Plus, almost 10,000 accounts retweeted it, and nearly 1,000 users took the time to reply. Some accounts tweeted side-by-side pictures of Churchill walking among citizens in London with Trump walking beside walls near the White House that had graffiti on them. Others thanked the author and noted that they were reading or had read his book on the former British prime minister.
Earlier on Wednesday, retired General Mattis spoke out about Trump, calling recent events the culmination of three-and-a-half years of immature leadership, which some hoped would lead to others in the defense department and Republican party to speak out against the president.


inquisitr--2020-06-04--James Mattis Made It ‘A Lot Easier’ For Defense Officials & Republicans To Speak Out Against Trump S

James Mattis Made It ‘A Lot Easier’ For Defense Officials & Republicans To Speak Out Against Trump Says Author

Former United States Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke out on Wednesday against President Donald Trump ’ s behavior in response to the unrest following George Floyd ’ s death as well as the last three-and-a-half years .
The retired general slammed the president as divisive .
Author Paul Szoldra took to Twitter to share that he believes Mattis made it easier for others in the defense department as well as the GOP to speak out against Trump ’ s rhetoric and choices .
“ My hot take : James Mattis just made it a lot easier for many , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawmakers to criticize the president , ” tweeted Paul Szoldra “ He ’ s providing ‘ top cover ’ as they say , ” the journalist continued .
Then , he explained the reasons why so many people working in the nation ’ s capital are reluctant to speak out against Trump ’ s actions — their jobs and the future of their careers depends on it .
After authorities cleared peaceful protesters from the front of the White House for Trump to walk to a church , Mattis pointed out that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what he called “ three years without mature leadership.
” The general also said that Trump is the first president in his lifetime who did not even pretend to unite the country .
Instead , Mattis said that the leader actively seeks to divide the country .
Because Mattis served on President Trump ’ s cabinet , he speaks like somebody who knows precisely what goes on in the Trump administration .
Szoldra ’ s tweet received a lot of attention on the popular social media platform .
At least 31,000 accounts “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the situation with Mattis speaking out on Trump .
Plus , 5,100 Twitter users also retweeted the words .
Plus , many also responded with thoughts of their own .
While some felt that Mattis and anybody else who chooses to speak out after this has waited too long to say something , others cautioned that the country needs every possible person to talk about the situation ahead of the November 2020 presidential election .
Some cynical users also noted that there is no way that Republicans who hold office will say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because they do not want to be subjected to the expected tweetstorm from Trump .
He often takes to Twitter with tweets that eviscerate anybody who happens to oppose him .
Conservative icon George Will also spoke out recently , encouraging voters to vote out Trump along with the members of Congress who have enabled him .

Former United States Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke out on Wednesday against President Donald Trump’s behavior in response to the unrest following George Floyd’s death as well as the last three-and-a-half years. The retired general slammed the president as divisive. Author Paul Szoldra took to Twitter to share that he believes Mattis made it easier for others in the defense department as well as the GOP to speak out against Trump’s rhetoric and choices.
“My hot take: James Mattis just made it a lot easier for many, many other respected defense officials and Republican lawmakers to criticize the president,” tweeted Paul Szoldra
“He’s providing ‘top cover’ as they say,” the journalist continued.
Then, he explained the reasons why so many people working in the nation’s capital are reluctant to speak out against Trump’s actions — their jobs and the future of their careers depends on it.
“So much of D.C. and natsec circles is centered around your current job and whether you can get a better one later. That’s really the major concern of so many who want to speak out but are afraid.”
After authorities cleared peaceful protesters from the front of the White House for Trump to walk to a church, Mattis pointed out that the United States is seeing the result of what he called “three years without mature leadership.” The general also said that Trump is the first president in his lifetime who did not even pretend to unite the country. Instead, Mattis said that the leader actively seeks to divide the country. Because Mattis served on President Trump’s cabinet, he speaks like somebody who knows precisely what goes on in the Trump administration.
Szoldra’s tweet received a lot of attention on the popular social media platform. At least 31,000 accounts “liked” the author’s take on the situation with Mattis speaking out on Trump. Plus, 5,100 Twitter users also retweeted the words. Plus, many also responded with thoughts of their own.
While some felt that Mattis and anybody else who chooses to speak out after this has waited too long to say something, others cautioned that the country needs every possible person to talk about the situation ahead of the November 2020 presidential election. Some cynical users also noted that there is no way that Republicans who hold office will say anything to contradict the president right now because they do not want to be subjected to the expected tweetstorm from Trump. He often takes to Twitter with tweets that eviscerate anybody who happens to oppose him.
Conservative icon George Will also spoke out recently, encouraging voters to vote out Trump along with the members of Congress who have enabled him.


inquisitr--2020-06-05--DC Mayor Muriel Bowser Shames Donald Trump For Increased Security At ‘The People’s House’

Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser criticized President Donald Trump on Thursday for his steps to increase security around the White House .
The Hill reported that the president ’ s security has beefed up the barriers outside the iconic residence in the face of ongoing protests that have plagued major cities across the nation in recent weeks .
“ Keep in mind that that ’ s the people ’ s house , ” Bowser said at a press conference after workers put additional fencing and barriers around the White House grounds .
The district of Columbia mayor went on to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ layers of security at the White House could be permanent and added that local government would take exception if that was the case .
According to The Hill , concrete barriers were placed along Pennsylvania Avenue near Eisenhower Executive Office Building along with new fencing on 17th street , all of which were installed on Thursday morning .
Prior to the mayor ’ s comments , D.C. Police Chief Peter Newsham addressed the unrest their city was experiencing .
According to Newsham ’ s statistics , D.C. has experienced six consecutive nights of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to around 5,000 on Wednesday .
Newsham noted that Wednesday evening protests were peaceful with multiple groups protesting around the city , but there were no arrests made during the June 3 protests and no damage to metropolitan police property or injuries to their officers .
The increase in protection around the White House is thought to be in anticipation of what the police chief said was expected to be the largest demonstrations yet planned for Saturday .
He did not speculate as to how many were expected , but the top officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the impact the demonstrations would have on their officers .
Newsham also reported that Saturday saw 19 arrests of protesters , which increased to 90 on Sunday and 289 on Monday .
There was a sharp decrease , however , on Tuesday with only 29 arrests .
The decrease in arrests appears to correlate with the major increase in law enforcement presence in the city following some particularly aggressive night of protesting that devolved into vandalism and arson .
Bowser ’ s comments came after the president previously blasted her for her treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Inquisitr previously reported that Trump requested the city mayor send police officers to help secure the White House grounds , but that she refused , saying it wasn ’ t “ their job ” to assist .
Speaking about Muriel Bowser , Trump claimed he had asked the mayor to send police officers but she refused .
The president claimed she told them it wasn ’ t “ their job .
”

Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser criticized President Donald Trump on Thursday for his steps to increase security around the White House.
The Hill reported that the president’s security has beefed up the barriers outside the iconic residence in the face of ongoing protests that have plagued major cities across the nation in recent weeks.
“Keep in mind that that’s the people’s house,” Bowser said at a press conference after workers put additional fencing and barriers around the White House grounds.
The mayor went on to say that she was concerned the added layers of security at the White House could be permanent, adding that local government would take exception if that was the case.
“It’s a sad commentary that the house and its inhabitants have to be walled off. I think that’s a sad commentary. We should want the White House opened up for people to be able to access it from all sides.”
According to The Hill, concrete barriers were placed along Pennsylvania Avenue near Eisenhower Executive Office Building along with new fencing on 17th Street, all of which were installed on Thursday morning.
Live: Situational update June 4. https://t.co/nK5chZf25O — Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) June 4, 2020
Prior to the mayor’s comments, Washington, D.C., Police Chief Peter Newsham addressed the unrest their city was experiencing. According to Newsham’s statistics, D.C. has experienced six consecutive nights of protests, with numbers growing each day to around 5,000 on Wednesday.
Newsham noted that Wednesday evening, demonstrations were peaceful with multiple groups protesting around the city, but there were no arrests made during the June 3 protests and no damage to metropolitan police property or injuries to their officers.
The increase in protection around the White House is thought to be in anticipation of what the police chief said was expected to be the largest demonstrations yet planned for Saturday. He did not speculate as to how many were expected, but the top officer did say that MPD was preparing for the impact the demonstrations would have on their officers.
Newsham also reported that Saturday saw 19 arrests of protesters, which increased to 90 on Sunday and 289 on Monday. There was a sharp decrease, however, on Tuesday with only 29 arrests.
The decrease in arrests appears to correlate with the major increase in law enforcement presence in the city following some particularly aggressive nights of protesting that devolved into vandalism and arson.
Bowser’s comments came after the president blasted her for her treatment of violent protesters. The Inquisitr previously reported that Trump requested the mayor send police officers to help secure the White House grounds, but that she refused, saying it wasn’t “their job” to assist.


inquisitr--2020-06-04--Donald Trump Reportedly Holds Secret Meeting With Staff As Polls Show Him Trailing Joe Biden

On Thursday , President Donald Trump held a meeting with his top political advisers , according to a report from Bloomberg .
Citing individuals briefed on the situation , the publication reported that the White House meeting was held as Trump ’ s “ political standing erodes in key battleground states.
” White House adviser Jared Kushner , Trump 2020 campaign chief Bred Parscale , Deputy Campaign Manager Bill Stepien , pollster Tony Fabrizio , White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadow and Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel reportedly participated in the meeting .
Per Bloomberg , “ One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a tense meeting , describing internal polls that show Trump performing poorly in politically competitive states across the country .
The people asked not to be identified because the meeting wasn ’ t on Trump ’ s public schedule for the day.
” The Hill confirmed that the event took place .
According to the publication , strategy for the 2020 presidential election was also discussed .
As an official briefed on the matter explained , the president and his allies concluded that defining former Vice President Joe Biden to voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ When Joe Biden is defined the president runs very strong against him , ” the publication ’ s source said .
After the meeting with his top advisers , Trump reportedly held an additional briefing about outreach to the African-American community .
Advisers Katrina Pierson and Paris Dennard reportedly participated in the discussion .
Trump is apparently looking to make inroads with the black community , amid protests over George Floyd ’ s death .
The president has repeatedly dismissed the demonstrators as “ thugs ” and “ hoodlums , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a dent in Biden ’ s support among African-Americans .
In recent days , Trump has repeatedly suggested that he has done more for African-Americans than any president since Abraham Lincoln , who abolished slavery .
As The Hill noted , “ Thursday ’ s meeting came at a contentious time for the president in his reelection bid .
He is grappling with multiple national crises , and he has seen Biden pull ahead in several polls in recent weeks.
” According to recent polling , Biden has indeed surged ahead .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showed the two candidates tied in the traditionally red state of Texas .
Furthermore , a poll from Monmouth University showed Biden 11 points ahead of Trump nationwide and Fox News polling showed Trump trailing the Democrat in Arizona , Ohio and Wisconsin .
A Washington Post/ABC News poll released last week put Biden ahead of Trump nationwide , showing that the president ’ s approval ratings have dropped .
According to the survey , Trump ’ s approval ratings — which surged in March — are now back in the negative territory @

On Thursday, President Donald Trump held a meeting with his top political advisers, according to a report from Bloomberg.
Citing individuals briefed on the situation, the publication reported that the White House meeting was held as Trump’s “political standing erodes in key battleground states.”
White House adviser Jared Kushner, Trump 2020 campaign chief Brad Parscale, Deputy Campaign Manager Bill Stepien, pollster Tony Fabrizio, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadow, and Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel reportedly participated in the meeting.
“One of the people said it was expected to be a tense meeting, describing internal polls that show Trump performing poorly in politically competitive states across the country. The people asked not to be identified because the meeting wasn’t on Trump’s public schedule for the day,” per Bloomberg.
The Hill confirmed that the event took place. According to the publication, strategy for the 2020 presidential election was also discussed. As an official briefed on the matter explained, the president and his allies concluded that defining former Vice President Joe Biden to voters will be key to winning the November.
“When Joe Biden is defined the president runs very strong against him,” the publication’s source said.
After the meeting with his top advisers, Trump reportedly held an additional briefing about outreach to the African-American community. Advisers Katrina Pierson and Paris Dennard reportedly participated in the discussion. Trump is apparently looking to make inroads with the black community, amid protests over George Floyd’s death.
The president has repeatedly dismissed the demonstrators as “thugs” and “hoodlums,” but his team appears determined to put a dent in Biden’s support among African Americans. In recent days, Trump has repeatedly suggested that he has done more for African Americans than any president since Abraham Lincoln, who abolished slavery.
“Thursday’s meeting came at a contentious time for the president in his reelection bid. He is grappling with multiple national crises, and he has seen Biden pull ahead in several polls in recent weeks,” The Hill noted.
According to recent polling, Biden has indeed surged ahead. For instance, a new Quinnipiac University survey showed the two candidates tied in the traditionally red state of Texas. Furthermore, a poll from Monmouth University showed Biden 11 points ahead of Trump nationwide and Fox News polling showed Trump trailing the Democrat in Arizona, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
A Washington Post/ABC News poll released last week put Biden ahead of Trump nationwide, showing that the president’s approval ratings have dropped. According to the survey, Trump’s approval ratings — which surged in March — are now back in the negative territory.


inquisitr--2020-06-04--Senate Republicans Are Attempting To Save Trump’s ‘Dying Administration,’ ‘Financial Times’ Journali

Senate Republicans Are Attempting To Save Trump’s ‘Dying Administration,’ ‘Financial Times’ Journalist Says

In an appearance on MSNBC ’ s Morning Joe on Thursday , Financial Times ’ chief U.S. commentator , Ed Luce , claimed that Senate Republicans are attempting to save Donald Trump ’ s “ dying administration , ” Raw Story reported .
“ There are other Republican senators who are keeping silent because they know that what Trump is doing , what Trump is suggesting , is wrong , ” Luce said .
“ They ’ re scared of a backlash if they speak out.
” Luce pointed to former Defense secretary James Mattis , former chairman of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and current Defense secretary Mike Esper — all who have spoken out against Trump to some degree — and claimed that GOP senators should follow their lead .
Republican Sen. Mitt Romney recently spoke to reporters on Capitol Hill and praised Mattis for his scathing rebuke of Trump ’ s leadership in The Atlantic .
Fellow Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski echoed Romney ’ s praise and suggested America may be becoming more comfortable with speaking out against the purported failures of the county ’ s leadership .
“ They need to speak out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Luce said .
The British journalist claimed that the Republicans in the Senate are currently enabling the president and urged people to take the severity of the situation seriously .
“ Trump has his back to the wall .
He will do lots of things to try and prevent his defeat , ” Luce said .
According to Luce , Trump ’ s recent crackdown on protesters both energized his base and disgusted the moderate Republicans .
In regards to the latter group , Luce claims that many are supportive of the protesters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic .
Others , such as CNN commentator Van Jones , believe that Trump ’ s prospects amid the 2020 presidential race are harder to pin down .
Jones noted that there are many right-wing individuals he has spoken to who support Trump ’ s use of force to quell the chaos of the protests .
The 51-year-old commentator also pointed to the right-wing media ’ s push for the president to be more aggressive and claimed that Trump ’ s use of military force before his appearance at St. John ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in red states , who he implied support the administration ’ s recent use of force .
In Mattis ’ rebuke of Trump , he called for America to reject Trump and begin moving the country forward .
“ We can unite without him , drawing on the strengths inherent in our civil society , ” Mattis wrote .

In an appearance on MSNBC’s Morning Joe on Thursday, Financial Times’ chief U.S. commentator, Ed Luce, claimed that Senate Republicans are attempting to save Donald Trump’s “dying administration,” Raw Story reported.
“There are other Republican senators who are keeping silent because they know that what Trump is doing, what Trump is suggesting, is wrong,” Luce said. “They’re scared of a backlash if they speak out.”
Luce pointed to former Defense Secretary James Mattis, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen, and current Defense Secretary Mark Esper — all who have spoken out against Trump to some degree — and hinted that GOP senators should follow their lead.
Republican Sen. Mitt Romney recently spoke to reporters on Capitol Hill and praised Mattis for his scathing rebuke of Trump’s leadership in The Atlantic. Lisa Murkowski echoed her fellow GOP senator’s praise and suggested America may be becoming more comfortable with speaking out against the purported failures of the county’s leadership.
“They need to speak out — it is his party,” Luce said.
The British journalist alleged that the Republicans in the Senate are currently enabling the president. He also urged people to take the severity of the situation seriously.
“Trump has his back to the wall. He will do lots of things to try and prevent his defeat,” Luce said.
According to Luce, Trump’s recent crackdown on protesters both energized his base and disgusted moderate Republicans. In regard to the latter group, Luce claims that many are supportive of the protesters and back a continued lockdown in the coronavirus pandemic.
“I lived in many democracies, including America. I’ve lived in many democracies. I know a dying administration when I see one.”
Others, such as CNN commentator Van Jones, believe that Trump’s prospects amid the 2020 presidential race are harder to pin down. Jones noted that there are many right-wing individuals he has spoken to who support Trump’s use of force to quell the chaos of the protests. The 51-year-old commentator also pointed to the right-wing media’s push for the president to be more aggressive and claimed that his use of military force before his appearance at St. John’s Church likely sat well with many people in red states, who he implied support the administration’s recent actions.
In Mattis’ rebuke of Trump, he called for America to reject Trump and begin moving the country forward.
“We can unite without him, drawing on the strengths inherent in our civil society,” he wrote.


inquisitr--2020-06-04--Donald Trump Group Unleashes Ads Attacking Joe Biden

America First Action , the largest outside group supporting President Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election , has launched a new advertisement campaign , The Hill reported on Thursday .
The pro-Trump super PAC is investing millions in attacking former Vice President Joe Biden , the Democratic Party ’ s presumptive presidential nominee , in key battleground states .
The group ’ s blistering advertisements will air in Michigan , Wisconsin , and Pennsylvania .
In Michigan , the ads will hit Biden over his support for the North American Free Trade Agreement ( NAFTA ) .
“ One-hundred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s not a statistic .
It ’ s one-hundred and sixty thousand sleepless nights and hard conversations .
Because Joe Biden supported the NAFTA deal , he said wouldn ’ t send our jobs to Mexico , and backed bad trade deals with China that shipped our jobs overseas .
It ’ s 160,000 reasons Joe Biden shouldn ’ t be president , ” the narrator says in one of the video clips .
America First Action will spend $ 1.75 million on Michigan ads , which will run in Grand Rapids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to latest polling , Trump is trailing Biden in the Great Lakes State by four points .
In Wisconsin , the attacks will focus on Biden ’ s record on China , with the former vice president being painted as an incompetent politician who does not perceive China as a competitor to the United States .
“ If you can ’ t understand the threat , you can ’ t stop China .
To stop China , you have to stop Joe Biden , ” the ad says .
More than two million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which are set to air in Milwaukee , Green Way , Wausau and La Crosse .
Much like in Michigan , Trump is trailing Biden in the Badger State , polling suggests .
The group is making its largest ad buy — $ 3.5 million — in Pennsylvania , where it will run ads blasting Biden for allegedly being antagonistic to the fossil fuel industry .
One of the clips — which will run in Johnstown , Erie and Wilkes-Barre , Pittsburgh and Harrisburg — claims that the Democrat “ could cost Pennsylvania @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a brief exchange between Biden and CNN reporter Dana Bash .
The situation in battleground states appears to reflect a broader trend .
For instance , a Washington Post/ABC News poll released last week showed Biden 10 percentage points ahead of Trump nationwide .
The survey also found that the president ’ s approval ratings have dropped .
Odd makers have apparently shifted their predictions as well .
As The Inquisitr reported earlier today , Biden ’ s chances of winning the November election have risen to 53 percent on PredictIt .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victory are at 50 percent versus Trump ’ s 43 percent .

America First Action, the largest outside group supporting President Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election, has launched a new advertisement campaign, The Hill reported on Thursday.
The pro-Trump super PAC is investing millions in attacking former Vice President Joe Biden, the Democratic Party’s presumptive presidential nominee, in key battleground states. The group’s blistering advertisements will air in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania.
In Michigan, the ads will hit Biden over his support for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
“One-hundred and sixty thousand jobs lost. It’s not a statistic. It’s one-hundred and sixty thousand sleepless nights and hard conversations. Because Joe Biden supported the NAFTA deal, he said wouldn’t send our jobs to Mexico, and backed bad trade deals with China that shipped our jobs overseas. It’s 160,000 reasons Joe Biden shouldn’t be president,” the narrator explains in one of the video clips.
America First Action will spend $1.75 million on Michigan ads, which will run in Grand Rapids, Flint, and Traverse City. According to the latest polling, Trump is trailing Biden in the Great Lakes State by four points.
In Wisconsin, the attacks will focus on Biden’s record on China, with the former vice president being painted as an incompetent politician who does not perceive China as a competitor to the United States.
“If you can’t understand the threat, you can’t stop China. To stop China, you have to stop Joe Biden,” the ad says.
More than two million will be spent on the ads, which are set to air in Milwaukee, Green Way, Wausau, and La Crosse. Much like in Michigan, Trump is trailing Biden in the Badger State, per recent polling.
The group is making its largest ad buy — $3.5 million — in Pennsylvania, where it will run ads blasting Biden for allegedly being antagonistic toward the fossil fuel industry. One of the clips — which will run in Johnstown, Erie, Wilkes-Barre, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg — claims that the Democrat “could cost Pennsylvania 600,000 jobs.”
The video also features a brief exchange between Biden and CNN reporter Dana Bash.
The situation in battleground states appears to reflect a broader trend. For instance, a Washington Post/ABC News poll released last week showed Biden 10 percentage points ahead of Trump nationwide. The survey also found that the president’s approval ratings have dropped.
Oddsmakers have apparently shifted their predictions as well. As The Inquisitr reported earlier today, Biden’s chances of winning the November election have risen to 53 percent on PredictIt. On Smarkets, the chances of a Biden victory are at 50 percent versus Trump’s 43 percent.


inquisitr--2020-06-04--Mitt Romney Praises James Mattis’ ‘Stunning And Powerful’ Rebuke Of Donald Trump

Utah Sen. Mitt Romney spoke to reporters on Capitol Hill on Thursday and praised former Secretary of Defense James Mattis ‘ recent rebuke of Donald Trump , Breitbart reported .
“ If I ever had to choose somebody to be in a foxhole with , it would be with General Mattis , ” Romney added .
“ What a wonderful , wonderful man.
” Mattis penned a Wednesday piece for The Atlantic in which he offered a scathing critique of Trump ’ s leadership amid the protests over the death of George Floyd , which continue around the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president of trying to divide Americans and called the current state of the country the result of three years of this purported attempt to sow discord , in combination with a lack of “ mature leadership.
” Mattis called for unity without Trump and pushed for citizens to draw on the “ strengths inherent in our civil society.
” Mattis also took aim at Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and other senior White House officials who he believes are helping fuel conflict between civilians and the military .
Romney , who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote for Trump ’ s impeachment , has long been open about his qualms with the president .
Most recently , while speaking at a Georgetown University event in April , he appeared to take a veiled jab at Trump ’ s ability to lead amid the coronavirus pandemic .
In particular , the 73-year-old senator opined that the United States ’ response to the crisis seemed to be slow compared to other parts of the world , suggesting it was not a decisive moment for American leadership .
As reported by NBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Lisa Murkowski in his praise of Mattis ’ criticism of Trump .
Murkowski claimed that the former defense secretary ’ s comments suggested that America is reaching a point where people might be becoming comfortable being “ more honest ” with concerns regarding the country ’ s leadership and begin speaking out .
In response to Mattis ’ critique , Trump attacked his military record and claimed he fired the retired Marine Corps general — a notion that John Kelly , the president ’ s chief of staff at the time , @ @

Utah Sen. Mitt Romney spoke to reporters on Capitol Hill on Thursday and praised former Secretary of Defense James Mattis‘ recent rebuke of Donald Trump, Breitbart reported.
“General Mattis’ letter was stunning and powerful. General Mattis is a man of extraordinary sacrifice. He’s an American patriot. He’s an individual whose judgment I respect, and I think the world of him.”
“If I ever had to choose somebody to be in a foxhole with, it would be with General Mattis,” Romney added. “What a wonderful, wonderful man.”
Mattis penned a Wednesday piece for The Atlantic in which he offered a scathing critique of Trump’s leadership amid the protests over the death of George Floyd, which continue around the United States. In his piece, Mattis accused the president of trying to divide Americans and called the current state of the country the result of three years of this purported attempt to sow discord, in combination with a lack of “mature leadership.”
Mattis called for unity without Trump and pushed for citizens to draw on the “strengths inherent in our civil society.”
“This will not be easy, as the past few days have shown, but we owe it to our fellow citizens; to past generations that bled to defend our promise; and to our children.”
Mattis also took aim at Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and other senior White House officials who he believes are helping fuel conflict between civilians and the military.
Romney, who was the only Republican in the Senate to vote for Trump’s impeachment, has long been open about his qualms with the president. Most recently, while speaking at a Georgetown University event in April, he appeared to take a veiled jab at Trump’s ability to lead amid the coronavirus pandemic. In particular, the 73-year-old senator opined that the United States’ response to the crisis seemed to be slow compared to other parts of the world, suggesting it was not a decisive moment for American leadership.
FULL SPEECH: Sen. Romney says he will vote in favor of the article of impeachment on abuse of power against President Trump. "With my vote, I will tell my children and their children that I did my duty to the best of my ability, believing that my country expected it of me." pic.twitter.com/BPvdEk9Myg — MSNBC (@MSNBC) February 5, 2020
As reported by NBC News, Romney was joined by Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski in his praise of Mattis’ criticism of Trump. Murkowski claimed that the former defense secretary’s comments suggested that America is reaching a point where people might be becoming comfortable being “more honest” with concerns regarding the country’s leadership and begin speaking out.
In response to Mattis’ critique, Trump attacked his military record and claimed he fired the retired Marine Corps general — a notion that John Kelly, the president’s chief of staff at the time, denied.


inquisitr--2020-06-04--Cory Booker Slams Rand Paul For Holding Up Anti-Lynching Bill

Democratic Sen. Cory Booker slammed Republican Sen. Rand Paul on Thursday for being the sole person holding up the passing of H.R .
35 , the Emmet Till Antilynching Act , which would make lynching a federal crime , Raw Story reported .
Booker wrote the bill along with the two remaining African Americans in the Senate — Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina and Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris of California .
“ This idea that someone would be brought up on lynching charges for slapping is absurd , ” Booker said , referring to Paul ’ s concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lesser crimes .
Booker pointed to the stories of lynching he has heard from African Americans and said he could hear the “ unanswered cries for justice of our ancestors.
” According to Booker , each of the members of the Senate is “ sensitive to that anguish , to that pain.
” The New Jersey politician also noted that Libertarian Rep. Justin Amash was one of four congressmen who voted against the anti-lynching bill in the House of Representatives .
As The Inquisitr reported , Amash stated that lynching is already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crime and claimed that the bill would expand the use of the federal death penalty and ban activities that are already illegal under federal law .
The 40-year-old congressman also claimed that the legislation poses a threat to civil liberties and civil rights and said that it would harm people of color in particular .
Paul echoed Amash ’ s concerns and pushed for the bill to specify that only crimes resulting in serious bodily harm or those that put the victim at risk of death could be prosecuted as lynching .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office noted that the bill currently allows temporary injuries , such as abrasions , cuts , and bruises , to be cause for a 10-year-penalty .
After acknowledging Paul and Amash ’ s pushback , Booker pointed to the many people and organizations that have supported the bill .
Booker called for all members of Congress to unite in a “ chorus of conviction ” and move forward from the country ’ s dark history to pass the anti-lynching legislation .

Democratic Sen. Cory Booker slammed Republican Sen. Rand Paul on Thursday for being the sole person holding up the passing of H.R. 35, the Emmet Till Antilynching Act, which would make lynching a federal crime, Raw Story reported. Booker wrote the bill along with the two remaining African Americans in the Senate — Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina and Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris of California.
“This idea that someone would be brought up on lynching charges for slapping is absurd,” Booker said, referring to Paul’s concern that the bill could be broadly applied to lesser crimes.
“I do not need my colleague, the senator from Kentucky, to tell me about one lynching in this country.”
Booker pointed to the stories of lynching he has heard from African Americans and said he could hear the “unanswered cries for justice of our ancestors.” According to Booker, each of the members of the Senate is “sensitive to that anguish, to that pain.”
The New Jersey politician also noted that Libertarian Rep. Justin Amash was one of four congressmen who voted against the anti-lynching bill in the House of Representatives. As The Inquisitr reported, Amash stated that lynching is already both a federal crime and a hate crime and claimed that the bill would expand the use of the federal death penalty and ban activities that are already illegal under federal law. The 40-year-old congressman also claimed that the legislation poses a threat to civil liberties and civil rights and said that it would harm people of color in particular.
Paul echoed Amash’s concerns and pushed for the bill to specify that only crimes resulting in serious bodily harm or those that put the victim at risk of death could be prosecuted as lynching. In a statement released on Wednesday, Paul’s office noted that the bill currently allows temporary injuries, such as abrasions, cuts, and bruises, to be cause for a 10-year-penalty.
After acknowledging Paul and Amash’s pushback, Booker pointed to the many people and organizations that have supported the bill.
“If this bill is wrong, 99 senators are wrong. If this bill is wrong, then the NAACP is wrong. If this bill is wrong, then the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights is wrong. If this bill is wrong, then the Urban League of America is wrong.”
Booker called for all members of Congress to unite in a “chorus of conviction” and move forward from the country’s dark history to pass the anti-lynching legislation.


inquisitr--2020-06-04--Senator Rand Paul Admits He’s The Only Holdout On A Bill That Would Make Lynching A Federal Crime

Rand Paul , one of the senators from Kentucky , acknowledged on Thursday that he ’ s currently the only person standing in the way of passing a bill that would make lynching a federal crime , CBS News reported .
Paul told reporters that he wants Congress to have more discussion on the bill to make the language more precise .
He made it clear that he supports the intent behind the bill , but that he believes the bill isn ’ t as strong as it should be yet .
Per CBS News , Paul said the current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ precise enough about what constitutes a lynching .
He argued that minor altercations could fall under the current version of the lynching bill , which he called “ a disservice to those who were lynched in our history.
” According to CNN , Paul ’ s office released a statement on Wednesday , saying that he wants the language in the bill to specify that only crimes that resulted in serious bodily harm or put the victim at risk of death would be able to be prosecuted as lynchings .
Paul told CBS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amendment to the proposed bill on Thursday .
The current version of the bill overwhelmingly passed in the House of Representatives in February , according to CNN .
The Senate was hoping to unanimously pass the bill , but Paul has refused to pass it in its current form .
The bill passed by the House is very similar to a bill that was previously passed by the Senate in a unanimous vote , according to CNN .
The bill currently being considered in the Senate was written by the only three African-American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tim Scott of South Carolina and Democratic Sens .
Kamala Harris of California and Cory Booker of New Jersey .
Paul first spoke out about his opposition to the anti-lynching bill as written after The National Journal reported on Tuesday that he was the only holdout .
According to CBS News , Sen. Booker had previously said that the bill was being held up by a single senator , but he did not identify the person .
Paul ’ s opposition to the bill comes as Congress is under immense pressure to pass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crimes more severe .
In the past century , 200 failed anti-lynching bills have been considered by Congress , CBS News reported .

Rand Paul, one of the senators from Kentucky, acknowledged on Thursday that he’s currently the only person standing in the way of passing a bill that would make lynching a federal crime, CBS News reported. Paul told reporters that he wants Congress to have more discussion on the bill to make the language more precise. He made it clear that he supports the intent behind the bill, but that he believes the bill isn’t as strong as it should be yet.
Per CBS News, Paul said the current language in the bill isn’t precise enough about what constitutes a lynching. He argued that minor altercations could fall under the current version of the lynching bill, which he called “a disservice to those who were lynched in our history.”
According to CNN, Paul’s office released a statement on Wednesday, saying that he wants the language in the bill to specify that only crimes that resulted in serious bodily harm or put the victim at risk of death would be able to be prosecuted as lynchings.
“The bill as written would allow altercations resulting in a cut, abrasion, bruise, or any other injury no matter how temporary to be subject to a 10-year penalty. My amendment would simply apply a serious bodily injury standard, which would ensure crimes resulting in substantial risk of death and extreme physical pain be prosecuted as a lynching.”
Paul told CBS News that he would be introducing the amendment to the proposed bill on Thursday.
With news out today that Sen. Rand Paul is single-handedly holding up the federal anti-lynching bill, I'll repost this thread about the century-long struggle behind it. https://t.co/o79qRGgVSi — Kevin M. Kruse (@KevinMKruse) June 3, 2020
The current version of the bill overwhelmingly passed in the House of Representatives in February, according to CNN. The Senate was hoping to unanimously pass the bill, but Paul has refused to pass it in its current form.
The bill passed by the House is very similar to a bill that was previously passed by the Senate in a unanimous vote, according to CNN. The bill currently being considered in the Senate was written by the only three African-American members of the Senate: Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina and Democratic Sens. Kamala Harris of California and Cory Booker of New Jersey.
Paul first spoke out about his opposition to the anti-lynching bill as written after The National Journal reported on Tuesday that he was the only holdout. According to CBS News, Sen. Booker had previously said that the bill was being held up by a single senator, but he did not identify the person.
Paul’s opposition to the bill comes as Congress is under immense pressure to pass legislation making the punishment for racially motivated crimes more severe. In the past century, 200 failed anti-lynching bills have been considered by Congress, CBS News reported.


inquisitr--2020-06-04--Attorney General William Barr Claims Antifa Is ‘Instigating’ Violence At George Floyd Protests

During a Thursday press conference , Attorney General William Barr reiterated his belief that Antifa has been stoking violence at the protests for George Floyd , Breitbart reported .
“ We have evidence that Antifa and other similar extremist groups , as well as actors of a variety of different political persuasions , have been involved in instigating and participating in the violent activity , ” Barr said .
Barr previously claimed that “ outside radicals and agitators ” are exploiting the protests for their own goals .
FBI Director Christopher Wray echoed Barr and said some groups are attempting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discord and upheaval.
” Barr and Wray ’ s comments run contrary to a recent FBI investigation , which did not find any evidence that Antifa was involved in the violence that erupted at the Floyd protests over the past weekend .
As reported by The Nation , the report is based on evidence gathered from “ CHS [ Confidential Human Source ] canvassing , open source/social media partner engagement , and liaison.
” The same report warned of far-right provocateurs using social media to encourage violence against protesters and federal agents .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ British Army counterterrorism officer , claims that reports from his security consultant colleagues suggest that most of the destruction from the weekend ’ s activities is linked to far-left anarchists .
Leggat also claimed that far-right groups have yet to attend the protests ; he also warned of the possibility and the dangers it would pose .
With the help of Barr , President Donald Trump has been taking aim at Antifa .
Notably , the president recently said he would be declaring Antifa a terrorist organization , echoing Barr ’ s previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was met with pushback from some , including Glenn Greenwald , who argued that such a move would only complicate the situation .
According to Greenwald , Trump ’ s announcement is a “ classic case of exploiting disorder for authoritarian ends.
” Greenwald also pushed back on Joy Reid ’ s recent Twitter thread , which he said created an “ entire narrative out of whole cloth.
” The thread suggested outside forces are responsible for infiltrating Minnesota and pointed to Gov .
Tim Walz ’ s claim that at least 80 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state — a claim officials later walked back , per The Hill .
An analysis of the coverage of the Floyd protests by Epsilon Theory suggests that the focus on Antifa and white nationalism has become the dominant media focus , as opposed to the initial focus on facts and circumstances of the crime .
According to the website , the focus on Antifa and white nationalism is linked to left-wing- and right-wing media outlets , respectively , pushing partisan narratives .

During a Thursday press conference, Attorney General William Barr reiterated his belief that Antifa has been stoking violence at the protests for George Floyd, Breitbart reported.
“We have evidence that Antifa and other similar extremist groups, as well as actors of a variety of different political persuasions, have been involved in instigating and participating in the violent activity,” Barr said.
Barr previously claimed that “outside radicals and agitators” are exploiting the protests for their own goals.
FBI Director Christopher Wray echoed Barr and said some groups are attempting to use the protests to “sow discord and upheaval.”
“We’ve directed our 200 joint terrorism task forces around the country to assist law enforcement with apprehending and charging violent agitators who are hijacking peaceful protests on a national level.”
Barr and Wray’s comments run contrary to a recent FBI investigation, which did not find any evidence that Antifa was involved in the violence that erupted at the Floyd protests over the past weekend.
As reported by The Nation, the report is based on evidence gathered from “CHS [Confidential Human Source] canvassing, open source/social media partner engagement, and liaison.” The same report warned of far-right provocateurs using social media to encourage violence against protesters and federal agents.
Conversely, Adam Leggat, a former British Army counterterrorism officer, claims that reports from his security consultant colleagues suggest that most of the destruction from the weekend’s activities is linked to far-left anarchists. Leggat also claimed that far-right groups have yet to attend the protests; he also warned of the possibility and the dangers it would pose.
With the help of Barr, President Donald Trump has been taking aim at Antifa. Notably, the president recently said he would be declaring Antifa a terrorist organization, echoing Barr’s previous comments on the group.
The announcement was met with pushback from some, including Glenn Greenwald, who argued that such a move would only complicate the situation. According to Greenwald, Trump’s announcement is a “classic case of exploiting disorder for authoritarian ends.”
Trump’s vow about Antifa is as incoherent as it is dangerous. The only possible outcome, if it is more than just a Twitter scream, is increased domestic repression, surveillance, and the quashing of dissent: the classic case of exploiting disorder for authortarian ends. https://t.co/vs8wlflIyf — Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) May 31, 2020
Greenwald also pushed back on Joy Reid’s recent Twitter thread, which he said created an “entire narrative out of whole cloth.” The thread suggested outside forces are responsible for infiltrating Minnesota and pointed to Gov. Tim Walz’s claim that at least 80 percent of Friday arrests were from outside the state — a claim officials later walked back, per The Hill.
This thread – one of the most viral of the year, that created an entire narrative out of whole cloth – is just unbelievable: https://t.co/qn2tP85V5p — Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) May 31, 2020
An analysis of the coverage of the Floyd protests by Epsilon Theory suggests that the focus on Antifa and white nationalism has become the dominant media focus, as opposed to the initial focus on facts and circumstances of the crime. According to the website, the focus on Antifa and white nationalism is linked to left-wing- and right-wing media outlets, respectively, pushing partisan narratives.


inquisitr--2020-06-04--Donald Trump Roasted For Building Wall Around White House

U.S. President Donald Trump has faced criticism in recent days after reportedly hunkering down in the White House bunker as protests outside continued into the night .
Now , he ’ s facing new attacks after fencing and concrete barriers were placed around the White House to further protect its inhabitants .
CNN White House reporter Betsey Klein posted a video on Twitter showing fences being constructed all around the White House complex , down past the Eisenhower Executive Office Building .
Additionally , concrete barriers were placed behind existing fencing to reinforce protections .
“ In addition to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EEOB down 17th Street , @ abdallahCNN reports that additional concrete barriers have been installed behind existing fencing at 17th and Pennsylvania Ave. NW , ” she wrote .
People on social media were quick to jump on the fence reference , noting that building a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border had been a key element of Trump ’ s campaign for election .
They joked that this was a fence that Trump could complete , in contrast to the border fence , which largely remains stalled .
Some said that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Building a wall between the ‘ White House ’ and the rest of America .
Is there a better metaphor for this entire presidency ?
” wrote one person .
“ Thanks to Trump , the ‘ People ’ s House ’ has become a gated community , ” echoed another .
Others noted that they believed it was further evidence that Trump was afraid of protesters .
“ Trump fencing himself in .
What a perfect symbol for a failed and fearful despot , ” Mike Nietzel noted .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ built in anticipation of security concerns over further demonstrations scheduled for this weekend .
The area is rarely closed off to the public and usually only closed temporarily .
The construction comes after protests near the White House last weekend prompted Trump to be taken to a bunker for about an hour .
While the president has said that he was only in the bunker for a short time to inspect it , insiders have contradicted his claims .
As The Inquisitr previously reported , the president initially denied being in the bunker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say that he was there “ more for an inspection.
” In the wake of news that he was taken to the bunker , critical news coverage and social media users blasted the president for appearing to be frightened of the protesters .
Some say that the coverage prompted Trump to stage a photo op in front of the St. John ’ s church , a move that resulted in backlash after demonstrators were removed using tear gas and pepper balls .

U.S. President Donald Trump has faced criticism in recent days after reportedly hunkering down in the White House bunker as protests outside continued into the night. Now, he’s facing new attacks after fencing and concrete barriers were placed around the White House to further protect its inhabitants.
CNN White House reporter Betsey Klein posted a video on Twitter showing fences being constructed all around the White House complex, down past the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Additionally, concrete barriers were placed behind existing fencing to reinforce protections.
More fencing going up around the White House complex early this morning pic.twitter.com/VLBRnx1lgz — Betsy Klein (@betsy_klein) June 4, 2020
“In addition to the new fencing, which now extends past the EEOB down 17th Street, @abdallahCNN reports that additional concrete barriers have been installed behind existing fencing at 17th and Pennsylvania Ave. NW,” she wrote.
People on social media were quick to jump on the fence reference, noting that building a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border had been a key element of Trump’s campaign for election. They joked that this was a fence that Trump could complete, in contrast to the border fence, which largely remains stalled.
Some said that the fence held a larger symbolism.
“Building a wall between the ‘White House’ and the rest of America. Is there a better metaphor for this entire presidency?” wrote one person.
“Thanks to Trump, the ‘People’s House’ has become a gated community,” echoed another.
Others noted that they believed it was further evidence that Trump was afraid of protesters.
“Trump fencing himself in. What a perfect symbol for a failed and fearful despot,” Mike Nietzel noted.
It’s unclear if the new fencing is being built in anticipation of security concerns over further demonstrations scheduled for this weekend.
The area is rarely closed off to the public and usually only closed temporarily.
The construction comes after protests near the White House last weekend prompted Trump to be taken to a bunker for about an hour. While the president has said that he was only in the bunker for a short time to inspect it, insiders have contradicted his claims.
As The Inquisitr previously reported, the president initially denied being in the bunker, but later changed his story to say that he was there “more for an inspection.”
In the wake of news that he was taken to the bunker, critical news coverage and social media users blasted the president for appearing to be frightened of the protesters. Some say that the coverage prompted Trump to stage a photo op in front of the St. John’s church, a move that resulted in backlash after demonstrators were removed using tear gas and pepper balls.