inquisitr--2020-06-06--Donald Trump Tells Drew Brees Not To Apologize & Says There Should Be ‘NO KNEELING’ During National

Donald Trump Tells Drew Brees Not To Apologize & Says There Should Be ‘NO KNEELING’ During National Anthem

Donald Trump doesn ’ t think Drew Brees should apologize for his statements about players who take a knee during the national anthem .
On Friday , the New Orleans Saints quarterback apologized for statements the previous day that he didn ’ t believe players should take a knee during the anthem , a protest that started in the NFL as a reaction to police brutality against minorities .
Brees came under fire for many around the league including a number of his own teammates who pointed out that it was not meant to be disrespectful to take a knee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The current unrest in the country proves that more should have listened to that protest , critics argued .
Brees took to Instagram to apologize on Friday , saying that his comments were off the mark .
“ In an attempt to talk about respect , unity , and solidarity centered around the American flag and the national anthem , I made comments that were insensitive and completely missed the mark on the issues we are facing right now as a country , ” he wrote .
“ They lacked awareness and any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump , who has frequently taken aim at players who take a knee during the anthem and even called on owners to fire protesting players , took to Twitter to say that Brees should not have walked back his statements .
Trump reiterated that he believed no one should be taking a knee during the national anthem , delivering his message in all capital letters .
Trump has come under fire for his reaction to the growing protests following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis , calling violent protesters “ THUGS ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a threat to call on the U.S. military to respond and shoot looters .
Trump later said that he was trying to convey that looting often leads to more violence .
The president faced even sharper scrutiny this week after police in Washington , D.C. , used tear gas and swung batons to clear peaceful protesters from a street outside the White House so Trump could pose in front of a church for a photo op .
This led to recriminations from a number of retired U.S. military leaders , who said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be used as political props .
Brees said he is committed to working on better understanding protesters , and a number of his New Orleans Saints teammates said they accept his apology and are ready to work with him .

Donald Trump doesn’t think Drew Brees should apologize for his statements about players who take a knee during the national anthem.
On Friday, the New Orleans Saints quarterback apologized for statements the previous day that he didn’t believe players should take a knee during the anthem, a protest that started in the NFL as a reaction to police brutality against minorities. Brees came under fire from many around the league, including a number of his own teammates, who pointed out that it was not meant to be disrespectful to take a knee but rather a statement against injustice. The current unrest in the country proves that more should have listened to that protest, critics argued.
Brees took to Instagram to apologize on Friday, saying that his comments were off the mark.
“In an attempt to talk about respect, unity, and solidarity centered around the American flag and the national anthem, I made comments that were insensitive and completely missed the mark on the issues we are facing right now as a country,” he wrote. “They lacked awareness and any type of compassion or empathy.”
But Trump, who has frequently taken aim at players who take a knee during the anthem and even called on owners to fire protesting players, took to Twitter to say that Brees should not have walked back his statements. Trump reiterated that he believed no one should be taking a knee during the national anthem, delivering his message in capital letters.
…We should be standing up straight and tall, ideally with a salute, or a hand on heart. There are other things you can protest, but not our Great American Flag – NO KNEELING! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2020
Trump has come under fire for his reaction to the growing protests following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, calling violent protesters “THUGS” on Twitter and making what many interpreted as a threat to call on the U.S. military to respond and shoot looters. Trump later said that he was trying to convey that looting often leads to more violence.
The president faced even sharper scrutiny this week after police in Washington, D.C., used tear gas and swung batons to clear peaceful protesters from a street outside the White House so Trump could pose in front of a church for a photo op. This led to recriminations from a number of retired U.S. military leaders, who said that members of the U.S. military should not be used as political props.
Brees said he is committed to working on better understanding protesters, and a number of his New Orleans Saints teammates said they accept his apology and are ready to work with him.


inquisitr--2020-06-06--Chris Wallace: Donald Trump ‘Has Every Reason To Celebrate’ New Job Numbers

On Friday , Fox News anchor Chris Wallace said that President Donald Trump “ has every reason to celebrate ” new unemployment figures , The Hill reported .
In the month of May , the United States economy added 2.5 million jobs , per the Bureau of Labor Statistics .
The surprisingly good news resonated across the nation , with many expressing hope that the economy — which has been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic — could recover sooner than expected .
Furthermore , the new unemployment figures had an impact on the Dow Jones Industrial Average , which climbed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level since October last year .
The stunning drop in unemployment rates also has political implications and could potentially make it easier for Trump to win the 2020 presidential election .
Wallace opined that the commander-in-chief ’ s bid for reelection is now “ a lot easier to make than it was 24 hours ago.
” “ It really has been a great day for the country , ” the anchor continued .
Nevertheless , Wallace noted , Americans should not be too optimistic .
“ Obviously we don ’ t know about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know if there ’ s going to be a spike , ” he said .
Wallace pointed out that mass protests over George Floyd ’ s death have broken out across the nation .
The demonstrations , he suggested , could lead to another spike of COVID-19 cases given that thousands gathered and stood in close proximity , ignoring social distancing guidelines .
“ We ’ re going to have to wait and see if there is going to be a second wave , but at least the initial indications are that people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work , millions of people have been able to go back to work , ” the veteran anchor added .
Wallace concluded that Friday ’ s encouraging news are a good sign for the country , adding that Trump “ has every reason to celebrate.
” Per a CNN analysis , May was the best month for job growth on record .
The figures startled economists , many of whom predicted that the decline in employment would continue .
According to some experts , the surge in employment could be due to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their initial predictions .
For Trump , reviving the economy could be key to winning the November election .
Most recent polling suggests that former Vice President Joe Biden , the Democratic Party ’ s presumptive presidential nominee , has surged ahead of Trump nationwide and in swing states .
On Thursday , the president and his allies reportedly held an emergency meeting to discuss strategy for the 2020 election .
Team Trump will reportedly focus on defining Biden to voters as the campaign progresses .

On Friday, Fox News anchor Chris Wallace said that Donald Trump “has every reason to celebrate” new unemployment figures, The Hill reported.
In the month of May, the United States economy added 2.5 million jobs, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The surprisingly good news resonated across the nation, with many expressing hope that the economy — which has been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic — could recover sooner than expected.
Furthermore, the new unemployment figures had an impact on the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which climbed above 27,000 points, reaching the highest level since October of last year.
The stunning drop in unemployment rates also has political implications and could potentially make it easier for Trump to win the 2020 presidential election. Wallace opined that the commander-in-chief’s bid for reelection is now “a lot easier to make than it was 24 hours ago.”
“It really has been a great day for the country,” the anchor continued.
“It shows the resilience of the American economy, and it shows the political resilience of Donald Trump.”
Nevertheless, Wallace noted, Americans should not be too optimistic.
“Obviously we don’t know about this virus, we don’t know if there’s going to be a spike,” he said.
Wallace pointed out that mass protests over George Floyd’s death have broken out across the nation. The demonstrations, he suggested, could lead to another spike of COVID-19 cases given that thousands gathered and stood in close proximity, ignoring social distancing guidelines.
“We’re going to have to wait and see if there is going to be a second wave, but at least the initial indications are that people have been able to go back to work, millions of people have been able to go back to work,” the veteran anchor added.
Wallace concluded that Friday’s encouraging news was a good sign for the country, adding that Trump “has every reason to celebrate.”
Per a CNN analysis, May was the best month for job growth on record. The figures startled economists, many of whom predicted that the decline in employment would continue. According to some experts, the surge in employment could be due to a wave of re-hiring the economists missed in their initial predictions.
For Trump, reviving the economy could be key to winning the November election. Most recent polling suggests that former Vice President Joe Biden, the Democratic Party’s presumptive presidential nominee, has surged ahead of Trump nationwide and in swing states.
On Thursday, the president and his allies reportedly held an emergency meeting to discuss strategy for the 2020 election. Team Trump will reportedly focus on defining Biden to voters as the campaign progresses.


inquisitr--2020-06-07--Retired General: Donald Trump ‘Has Embraced The Military As His Personal Protectors’

In an interview with Newsweek published on Saturday , retired Lieutenant General Russel Honoré discussed President Donald Trump ’ s handling of the George Floyd protests .
Floyd , an African-American man , died after Minnesota Police Department officer Derek Chauvin pinned him to the ground and knelt on his neck .
Following the 46-year-old ’ s death , mass demonstrations broke out across the nation , with thousands of Americans protesting against police brutality .
Trump has repeatedly urged governors and state governments to crack down on the protests .
Earlier this week , he ordered security forces to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside the White House .
He then went on to pose for photographs .
According to Honoré , “ the president either doesn ’ t understand the Constitution or he don ’ t give a damn.
” The retired general — who oversaw the military response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005 — criticized Republicans on Capitol Hill for not speaking up .
Stating that he is “ disappointed ” that very few Republicans have dared criticize Trump , Honoré invoked late Senator John McCain ’ s name .
“ Can you imagine if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t think he would be too happy with things going on right now , ” he said .
Among the Republicans who explicitly criticized Trump ’ s response to the protests was Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska .
Murkowski went as far as to suggest that she is not sure whether she will cast a ballot for Trump in the 2020 presidential election and expressed hope that her colleagues will speak up as well .
Some lawmakers and Trump administration officials have made attempts to justify the order to crack down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president issued it in order to get to St. John ’ s Episcopal Church .
Honoré described these claims as “ trying to put lipstick on a pig.
” “ It ’ s hard to deny what you see , ” the retired general said .
Honoré was among the signatories of a scathing letter signed by more than 200 former senior diplomats and military leaders .
As Foreign Policy reported , the letter said that the United States military has “ no role ” in dealing with American protesters exercising their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all criminal acts against persons and property , but can not agree that responding to these acts is beyond the capabilities of local and state authorities , ” the officials wrote .
Former Trump White House chief of staff , retired General John Kelly , and former Secretary of Defense James Mattis have also criticized the president ’ s response to the protests .

In an interview with Newsweek published on Saturday, retired Lieutenant General Russel Honoré discussed President Donald Trump’s handling of the George Floyd protests.
Floyd, an African-American man, died after Minneapolis Police Department officer Derek Chauvin pinned him to the ground and knelt on his neck, as seen in footage of the incident. Following the 46-year-old’s death, mass demonstrations broke out across the nation, with thousands of Americans protesting against police brutality.
Trump has repeatedly urged governors and state governments to crack down on the protests. Earlier this week, he ordered security forces to violently disperse the crowd of protesters gathered outside the White House. He then went on to pose for photographs. According to Honoré, the president “either doesn’t understand the Constitution or he don’t give a damn.”
“Trump has embraced the military as his personal protectors. They’re for national security, not political security. They’re in the court of the Constitution.”
The retired general — who oversaw the military response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005 — criticized Republicans on Capitol Hill for not speaking up. Stating that he is “disappointed” that very few Republicans have dared criticize Trump, Honoré invoked late Arizona Sen. John McCain’s name.
“Can you imagine if McCain were around right now? I don’t think he would be too happy with things going on right now,” he said.
Among the Republicans who explicitly criticized Trump’s response to the protests was Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. She went as far as to suggest that she is not sure whether she will cast a ballot for Trump in the 2020 presidential election and expressed hope that her colleagues will speak up as well.
Some lawmakers and Trump administration officials have made attempts to justify the order to crack down on White House demonstrators, arguing that the president issued it in order to get to St. John’s Episcopal Church. Honoré described these claims as “trying to put lipstick on a pig.”
“It’s hard to deny what you see,” the retired general said.
Honoré was among the signatories of a scathing letter signed by more than 200 former senior diplomats and military leaders. As Foreign Policy reported, the letter said that the United States military has “no role” in dealing with American protesters exercising their First Amendment rights.
“We condemn all criminal acts against persons and property, but cannot agree that responding to these acts is beyond the capabilities of local and state authorities,” the officials wrote.
Former Trump White House chief of staff John Kelly and former Secretary of Defense James Mattis have also criticized the president’s response to the protests.


inquisitr--2020-06-06--Donald Trump, GOP Struggling To Find Delegates For Republican National Convention

Donald Trump and the GOP might struggle to find delegates to attend the upcoming Republican National Convention .
The New York Times reported that the Republicans are demanding a full house for the event despite the president ’ s threat to pull it out of its plans to convene in Charlotte , North Carolina .
One reason the party is likely to not hold the event in Charlotte as originally planned is because of Governor Roy Cooper ’ s insistence that the people who attend the gathering needed to follow the CDC guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face masks , which President Trump is unwilling to accept .
Last weekend , delegates to the RNC received calls warning them to hold off on purchasing tickets for the event , which had been scheduled for late August .
Delegates paid $ 2,000 for tickets to cover the four-day event , and they ’ ve been told that there may be refunds available .
However , the decision to abandon its Charlotte plans entirely hasn ’ t been made yet even though Florida ’ s governor DeSantis is lobbying heavily for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At least some of the official business of the meeting will occur in Charlotte .
“ It is still our hope and desire to hold the business of the Convention in Charlotte , but the Governor ’ s willingness to share his guidelines will need to occur to prevent this meeting from being an exercise in futility , ” wrote Ronna McDaniel , the chair of the Republican National Committee , a letter Friday to the convention ’ s host committee .
There is also the possibility of a multi-city convention , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a move would mean the convention could boast its highest ever attendance .
There is some possibility that the president and vice president may give their speeches in a city other than Charlotte .
Because of the uncertainty regarding the details and city for the convention as well as the coronavirus pandemic , some states are struggling to fill their delegate spaces .
Many people who had planned to attend the convention are in the at-risk age group , and they seem to feel wary of attending due to the expected large crowds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unknown Republicans , and they weren ’ t confident the people who applied were pro-Trump delegates .
In 2016 , the RNC did not fully support Trump ’ s nomination , and some people booed , so the 2020 convention is seen as a chance for Trump to have the party ’ s full support .
Not every state experienced issues filling its delegates , though .
J.R. Romano , chairman of the Republican Party in Connecticut , revealed that the state filled its representatives with no problem .
“ Overwhelmingly , people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Romano .
“ I feel bad for the people of North Carolina ; this would have been an economic windfall for any community.
” Romano was also critical of Governor Cooper ’ s assistance that everybody who would have attended in Charlotte had to wear masks .

Donald Trump and the GOP might struggle to find delegates to attend the upcoming Republican National Convention. The New York Times reported that Republicans are demanding a full house for the event despite the president’s threat to pull it out of Charlotte, North Carolina.
One reason the party is likely to not hold the event in Charlotte as originally planned is Gov. Roy Cooper’s insistence that the people who attend the gathering need to follow CDC guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Those precautions include social distancing and face masks, which Trump is unwilling to accept. Last weekend, delegates to the RNC received calls warning them to hold off on purchasing tickets for the event, which had been scheduled for late August. Delegates paid $2,000 for tickets to cover the four-day event, and they’ve been told that there may be refunds available.
However, the decision to abandon its Charlotte plans entirely hasn’t been made yet, even though Florida’s Gov. Ron DeSantis is lobbying heavily for the party to hold its convention there. At least some of the official business of the meeting will occur in Charlotte.
“It is still our hope and desire to hold the business of the Convention in Charlotte, but the Governor’s willingness to share his guidelines will need to occur to prevent this meeting from being an exercise in futility,” wrote Ronna McDaniel, the chair of the Republican National Committee, in a letter to the convention’s host committee.
There is also the possibility of a multi-city convention, according to an NBC News report. Such a move would mean the convention could boast its highest-ever attendance. There is some possibility that the president and vice president may give their speeches in a city other than Charlotte.
Because of the uncertainty regarding the details and city for the convention, as well as the coronavirus pandemic, some states are struggling to fill their delegate spaces. Many people who had planned to attend the convention are in at-risk categories, and they seem to be wary of attending due to the expected large crowds. Some states also received applications from unknown Republicans, and they weren’t confident the people who applied were pro-Trump delegates. In 2016, the RNC did not fully support Trump’s nomination, and some people booed, so the 2020 convention is seen as a chance for Trump to have the party’s full support.
Not every state experienced issues filling its delegates, though. J.R. Romano, chairman of the Republican Party in Connecticut, revealed that the state filled its representatives with no problem.
“Overwhelmingly, people were still interested in going,” said Romano. “I feel bad for the people of North Carolina; this would have been an economic windfall for any community.”
Romano was also critical of Gov. Cooper’s insistence that everybody who would have attended in Charlotte had to wear masks.


inquisitr--2020-06-06--Republican Group Launches New Ad Slamming Donald Trump

The Lincoln Project , a conservative super PAC opposed to President Donald Trump , released on Saturday another advertisement slamming the commander-in-chief , Fox News reported .
The minute-long ad takes aim at Trump ’ s handling of the coronavirus pandemic and at the president ’ s leadership skills .
In the video , Trump ’ s statement that he does not “ take responsibility at all ” for the lack of COVID-19 testing is juxtaposed with footage of late Republican President Dwight D. Eisenhower .
As the voice over points out , Eisenhower , who led the Allied forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take responsibility if the D-Day operation failed .
The former president even had a speech ready in case the operation fails .
“ Great leaders prepare for every eventuality .
The hope for the best , but they prepare for the worst , ” the voiceover says as parallels between Trump and Eisenhower are drawn .
The narrator then says “ isn ’ t it time America returned to a different kind of leadership.
” The Lincoln Project ’ s latest ad will start airing digitally on Saturday .
Starting Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the nation .
The clip of Trump stating that he does not take responsibility for the mishandling of the coronavirus pandemic has already been used by his political opponents .
Notably , former Vice President Joe Biden used a similar clip in one of his attack ads .
Trump has pushed back against such criticism , arguing that his decision to ban travel to and from China — where COVID-19 is thought to have originated — saved millions of lives .
The Lincoln Project has previously released similar attack ads .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s most prominent “ Never Trump ” conservatives , including former Republican Party strategists Rick Wilson , Steve Schmidt and John Weaver .
George Conway , the husband of senior White House counselor Kellyanne Conway , is also a member .
Trump has taken note of the Lincoln Project ’ s activities .
Last month , after the group launched an advertisement criticizing his handling of the federal government ’ s response to the coronavirus pandemic , the president called them a “ group of RINO Republicans who failed badly.
” Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Project has taken aim at .
Last week , the group released an ad attacking Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell .
In response to the advertisement , McConnell ’ s spokesperson Kate Cooksey said that “ no scam PAC of grifters has ever been less relevant and no group of consultants will be forgotten faster than this group of thieves who bet everything on three days of dishonest ads in Kentucky .
”

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inquisitr--2020-06-06--Tucker Carlson Slammed By Celebrities For Criticizing Their Support Of Protesters

Conservative Fox News host Tucker Carlson is facing pushback from celebrities who were featured on a recent edition of his show , Tucker Carlson Tonight .
As reported by The Wrap , Carlson listed the many high-profile figures who allegedly donated to bail out individuals arrested during the protests of George Floyd ’ s death .
“ Big companies — cynical , soulless , craven corporations like Pepsi , Intel and AirBnB — are funding this chaos , ” Carlson said alongside a list of celebrities .
“ They ’ re giving money to Black Lives Matter which is pushing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t just major corporations that are fueling all of this .
Celebrities are , too , by paying to get violent rioters out of jail.
” Notably , Carlson took aim at Lil Nas X , who he said asked his Twitter followers to donate to bail groups located in states across the country .
In response , the rapper accused Carlson of being untruthful “ [ T ] his man just lied and told millions of people on national television that i was inciting riots , ” Lil Nas X @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t make this up.
” Actor Seth Rogen , who recently made headlines for his pushback against social media users posting “ All Lives Matter ” comments , appeared less surprised by Carlson ’ s show .
Other celebrities that responded directly to Carlson ’ s bit include Patton Oswalt and Halsey .
As reported by Fox News , many celebrities have joined the protests of Floyd ’ s death that continue to take place across the United States and in other parts of the world .
Ariana Grande was captured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend , and John Cusack posted a video of himself at a Chicago protest being screamed at by a police officer .
Many other celebrities also joined in the events , including Machine Gun Kelly , Emily Ratajkowski , and Matt McGorry .
Many times in the past , Carlson has faced criticism for his controversial comments .
As reported by Vox , the Fox News commentator claimed that white supremacy is a “ hoax ” and suggested that it ’ s intended to divide the country and help the elites maintain power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of white supremacists groups have increased since Donald Trump ’ s run for the presidency , although they remain small in proportion to the population .
Carlson previously attacked Floyd protestors and urged Republicans to push back against the violence stemming from the protests .
He also pushed back on the notion that police brutality is to blame for Floyd ’ s death while speaking to Republican Sen. Ted Cruz .

Conservative Fox News host Tucker Carlson is facing pushback from celebrities who were featured on a recent edition of his show, Tucker Carlson Tonight. As reported by The Wrap, Carlson listed the many high-profile figures who allegedly donated to bail out individuals arrested during the protests of George Floyd’s death.
“Big companies — cynical, soulless, craven corporations like Pepsi, Intel and AirBnB — are funding this chaos,” Carlson said alongside a list of celebrities. “They’re giving money to Black Lives Matter which is pushing to defund the police. But it isn’t just major corporations that are fueling all of this. Celebrities are, too, by paying to get violent rioters out of jail.”
Notably, Carlson took aim at Lil Nas X, who he said asked his Twitter followers to donate to bail groups located in states across the country. In response, the rapper accused Carlson of being untruthful
“This man just lied and told millions of people on national television that i was inciting riots,” Lil Nas X tweeted. “You can’t make this up.”
Actor Seth Rogen, who recently made headlines for his pushback against social media users posting “All Lives Matter” comments, appeared less surprised by Carlson’s show.
“I think when white supremacists are bothered by your actions, that’s probably a good thing.”
Other celebrities that responded directly to Carlson’s piece include Patton Oswalt and Halsey.
As reported by Fox News, many celebrities have joined the protests of Floyd’s death that continue to take place across the U.S. and in other parts of the world. Ariana Grande was captured at a peaceful Los Angeles protest last weekend, and John Cusack posted a video of himself at a Chicago protest being screamed at by a police officer.
Many other celebrities also joined in the events, including Machine Gun Kelly, Emily Ratajkowski, and Matt McGorry.
Many times in the past, Carlson has faced criticism for his controversial comments. As reported by Vox, the Fox News commentator claimed that white supremacy is a “hoax” and suggested that it’s intended to divide the country and help the elites maintain power. According to Vox, the ranks of white supremacists groups have increased since Donald Trump’s run for the presidency, although they remain small in proportion to the population.
Carlson previously attacked Floyd protestors and urged Republicans to push back against the violence stemming from the protests. He also pushed back on the notion that police brutality is to blame for Floyd’s death while speaking to Republican Sen. Ted Cruz.


inquisitr--2020-06-06--Donald Trump Can Still Win Reelection Amid Coronavirus & Protests, Journalist Says

Although the chaos from the George Floyd riots and economic destruction of coronavirus have shed doubts on Donald Trump ’ s reelection chances in 2020 , Pulitzer Prize-winning financial journalist David Cay Johnston believes there is still hope for the president .
In an op-ed for The Daily Mail , Johnston notes that he first met Trump in 1988 and has studied him for 32 years , including investigations of his Atlantic City casinos and alleged Mafia ties .
“ I know the man , his motivations and his modus operandi well , ” Johnston wrote .
“ Let me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ huge mistake to assume he has lost the 2020 election.
” Johnston continues to suggest that the current events could actually work to help Trump win in November .
“ Critical as I have long been of him , I ’ ve always admired his ability to convince millions of people that he is a modern Midas , a ‘ very stable genius ’ , to use his own phrase — and the only person who can save America .
That these claims are nonsense doesn ’ t matter as long as enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Trump must do three things to win reelection : convince Americans that responsibility for the coronavirus falls onto China , state governors , and local mayors ; quell social unrest , which Johnston claims will happen naturally in the coming weeks ; and bolster the economy .
Johnston says that the third goal will be easiest for Trump , who can fall back onto tax cuts and removal of business regulations , which has already begun on the environmental front .
In addition , Johnston notes that the majority of large corporations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and can help Trump by promising job-hire schemes and expansions .
Johnston also points to Trump ’ s ability to appeal to more impoverished Americans who feel left behind , as well as the real estate mogul ’ s 2016 success among voters over the age of 40 .
As Johnston notes , such older Americans make up more than 70 percent of the voting-age population and are more likely to vote than the younger demographic , which Hillary Clinton won in 2016 .
“ The lesson for November ’ s election is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Don ’ t — for a single moment — write him off.
” Others , such as Financial Times ’ chief U.S. commentator , Ed Luce , believe that the Trump administration is in its final days .
During an appearance on MSNBC ’ s Morning Joe , Luce called on Republican Senators to stop covering for Trump ’ s failing administration and follow in the footsteps of Defense Secretary James Mattis , former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen , and current Defense Secretary Mark Esper — all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Although the chaos from the George Floyd riots and economic destruction of coronavirus have shed doubts on Donald Trump’s reelection chances in 2020, Pulitzer Prize-winning financial journalist David Cay Johnston believes there is still hope for the president.
In an op-ed for The Daily Mail, Johnston notes that he first met Trump in 1988 and has studied him for 32 years, including investigations of his Atlantic City casinos and alleged Mafia ties.
“I know the man, his motivations and his modus operandi well,” Johnston wrote.
“Let me tell you that it would be a huge mistake to assume he has lost the 2020 election.”
Johnston continues to suggest that the current events could actually work to help Trump win in November.
“Critical as I have long been of him, I’ve always admired his ability to convince millions of people that he is a modern Midas, a ‘very stable genius’, to use his own phrase — and the only person who can save America. That these claims are nonsense doesn’t matter as long as enough people believe them.”
According to Johnston, Trump must do three things to win reelection: convince Americans that responsibility for the coronavirus falls onto China, state governors, and local mayors; quell social unrest, which Johnston claims will happen naturally in the coming weeks; and bolster the economy.
Johnston says that the third goal will be easiest for Trump, who can fall back onto tax cuts and removal of business regulations, which has already begun on the environmental front. In addition, Johnston notes that the majority of large corporations don’t want Democrats in power and can help Trump by promising job-hire schemes and expansions.
Johnston also points to Trump’s ability to appeal to more impoverished Americans who feel left behind, as well as the real estate mogul’s 2016 success among voters over the age of 40. As Johnston notes, such older Americans make up more than 70 percent of the voting-age population and are more likely to vote than the younger demographic, which Hillary Clinton won in 2016.
“The lesson for November’s election is clear,” Johnston concluded. “Don’t — for a single moment — write him off.”
Others, such as Financial Times’ chief U.S. commentator, Ed Luce, believe that the Trump administration is in its final days. During an appearance on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, Luce called on Republican Senators to stop covering for Trump’s failing administration and follow in the footsteps of Defense Secretary James Mattis, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen, and current Defense Secretary Mark Esper — all of whom have spoken out against the president.


inquisitr--2020-06-06--Tens Of Thousands Of Protesters Expected To Descend On Washington DC For Largest BLM Protest Yet

Thousands of people have gathered in Washington D.C. to protest the killing of George Floyd , with thousands more expected in what organizers say they expect to be the largest Black Lives Matter demonstration in the area so far .
As NBC News reports , thousands of people gathered near the White House and other important Washington locations to call for justice for Floyd , who died earlier this month while in police custody in Minneapolis .
“ We anticipate the largest demonstrations with regards to numbers that we ’ ve seen in the city to date , ” D.C. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And we anticipate that the protesters will continue to be as peaceful as they have been over the past couple of days.
” The protests so far today have been largely peaceful , with demonstrators calling for action from President Donald Trump , and decrying his use of military and extreme crowd dispersal tactics to quell unrest in D.C. “ I ’ m tired of the racism .
Just tired , ” said Rochelle Grate , a 58-year-old woman who attended Saturday ’ s protest .
“ This is different .
It snapped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Man , this is real and I ’ ve been blind to it . '
” Floyd died on May 25 as now-former police officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck for nearly 9 minutes .
Floyd repeatedly told the officer that he couldn ’ t breathe before becoming unresponsive and being taken by ambulance to a local hospital , where he was declared dead .
The entire incident was caught on video , prompting outrage and backlash across the country .
After using pepper balls and tear gas to disperse a crowd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week , President Trump has repeatedly faced criticism from people who say that he has failed to respond appropriately to the unrest .
On Saturday , many people are expected to show up to continue to protest violence against black Americans at the hands of the police , along with the Trump administration ’ s handling of the unrest .
As Fox News reports , Army officials were expecting fewer people than the million who showed up in 2017 for the Women ’ s March , but still thought that up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas were closed off in the capitol in anticipation of the demonstrations , with streets closed to make room for people , while the White House itself was walled off with 8-foot-tall fencing .
Protesters have stood outside the fencing every day this week , though police say they haven ’ t made an arrest since Tuesday and a curfew hasn ’ t been enforced since Wednesday , indicating that demonstrators have been peaceful .

Thousands of people have gathered in Washington, D.C., to protest the killing of George Floyd, with thousands more expected in what organizers say is expected to be the largest Black Lives Matter demonstration in the area so far.
As NBC News reports, thousands of people gathered near the White House and other important Washington locations to call for justice for Floyd, who died earlier this month while in police custody in Minneapolis.
“We anticipate the largest demonstrations with regards to numbers that we’ve seen in the city to date,” D.C. Police Chief Peter Newsham said. “And we anticipate that the protesters will continue to be as peaceful as they have been over the past couple of days.”
The protests so far today have been largely peaceful, with demonstrators calling for action from President Donald Trump, and decrying his use of military and extreme crowd dispersal tactics to quell unrest in the District of Columbia.
“I’m tired of the racism. Just tired,” said Rochelle Grate, a 58-year-old woman who attended Saturday’s protest. “This is different. It snapped people not of color to say ‘Man, this is real and I’ve been blind to it.'”
Floyd died on May 25 as now-former police officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Floyd repeatedly told the officer that he couldn’t breathe before becoming unresponsive and being taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was declared dead.
The entire incident was caught on video, prompting outrage and backlash across the country.
After using pepper spray and tear gas to disperse a crowd of reportedly peaceful protesters in Lafayette Square last week, President Trump has repeatedly faced criticism from people who say that he has failed to respond appropriately to the unrest.
On Saturday, many people are expected to show up to continue to protest the violence against black Americans at the hands of the police, along with the Trump administration’s handling of the unrest.
As Fox News reports, Army officials were expecting fewer people than the million who showed up in 2017 for the Women’s March, but they still thought that up to 200,000 people would show up.
Large areas were closed off in the capitol in anticipation of the demonstrations, with streets closed to make room for people, while the White House itself was walled off with 8-foot-tall fencing. Protesters have stood outside the fencing every day this week, though police say they haven’t made an arrest since Tuesday and a curfew hasn’t been enforced since Wednesday, indicating that demonstrators have been peaceful.


inquisitr--2020-06-06--Ivanka Trump Slams ‘Cancel Culture And Viewpoint Discrimination’ After Her Commencement Speech Was Y

Ivanka Trump Slams ‘Cancel Culture And Viewpoint Discrimination’ After Her Commencement Speech Was Yanked

Ivanka Trump lashed out at what she is calling “ cancel culture and viewpoint discrimination ” after her headlining commencement speech for Witchita State University was pulled due to student backlash .
“ Our nation ’ s campuses should be bastions of free speech .
Cancel culture and viewpoint discrimination are antithetical to academia .
Listening to one another is important now more than ever !
” she wrote .
“ Here is the message I recorded on May 18th for the Graduates of WSU-Tech .
I know that all of these talented graduates will dream big and aspire to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she added , along with a video link to YouTube that showed the speech she planned to give .
Trump ’ s speech was pulled after comments and actions taken by her father , President Donald Trump , angered students and faculty at the University .
After George Floyd , an unarmed black man , died while in police custody in Minneapolis earlier this month , protests and demonstrations erupted across the country .
But critics say that the president failed to respond to the civil unrest in a unifying way after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstrators “ thugs ” and his administration deployed extreme crowd dispersal tactics against people gathered in Lafayette Square near the White House .
Students at the University said that Ivanka Trump represented the Trump administration , given that she is one of his advisors .
A petition to stop the so-called first daughter from appearing in the commencement activities grew hundreds of signatures and , as The Inquisitr reported , her speech was removed from the event .
WSU Tech president Dr. Sheree Utash sent out a message to students saying that their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respected .
The message came just hours after the school initially revealed that Trump would be appearing virtually at the ceremony .
“ In light of the social justice issues brought forth by George Floyd ’ s death , I understand and take responsibility that the timing of the announcement was insensitive , ” Utash ’ s statement read .
“ That was never the intent , and I want you to know I have heard you and we are responding.
” The 38-year-old had prerecorded the speech after being asked to participate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , prior to the unrest following Floyd ’ s death .
Her speech is largely focused on the coronavirus pandemic , which was then sweeping across the nation , resulting in strict shut-downs and self-isolation measures .
Now , a nursing graduate will be the only speaker at the event , though Trump will appear in a later montage .

Ivanka Trump lashed out at what she is calling “cancel culture and viewpoint discrimination” after her headlining commencement speech for Wichita State University was pulled due to student backlash.
“Our nation’s campuses should be bastions of free speech. Cancel culture and viewpoint discrimination are antithetical to academia. Listening to one another is important now more than ever!” she wrote.
“Here is the message I recorded on May 18th for the Graduates of WSU-Tech. I know that all of these talented graduates will dream big and aspire to make the world a better place!” she added, along with a video link to YouTube that showed the speech she planned to give.
Trump’s speech was pulled after comments and actions taken by her father, President Donald Trump, angered students and faculty at the university. After George Floyd, an unarmed black man, died while in police custody in Minneapolis earlier this month, protests and demonstrations erupted across the country.
But critics say that the president failed to respond to the civil unrest in a unifying way after he posted messages on social media calling demonstrators “thugs” and his administration deployed extreme crowd dispersal tactics against people gathered in Lafayette Square near the White House.
Students at the university said that Ivanka Trump represented the Trump administration, given that she is one of his advisors.
A petition to stop the first daughter from appearing in the commencement activities collected hundreds of signatures and, as The Inquisitr reported, her speech was removed from the event.
WSU Tech president Dr. Sheree Utash sent out a message to students saying that their complaints had been heard and were being respected. The message came just hours after the school initially revealed that Trump would be appearing virtually at the ceremony.
“In light of the social justice issues brought forth by George Floyd’s death, I understand and take responsibility that the timing of the announcement was insensitive,” Utash’s statement read. “That was never the intent, and I want you to know I have heard you and we are responding.”
The 38-year-old had prerecorded the speech after being asked to participate in the graduation ceremony back in February, prior to the unrest following Floyd’s death.
Her speech is largely focused on the coronavirus pandemic, which was then sweeping across the nation, resulting in strict shutdowns and self-isolation measures. Now, a nursing graduate will be the only speaker at the event, though Trump will appear in a later montage.


inquisitr--2020-06-06--Joe Biden Is Now Officially The Democratic Nominee For The 2020 Presidential Election

Former Vice-President Joe Biden is no longer the presumptive Democratic nominee , CBS News reported on Saturday .
The District of Columbia , Indiana , Maryland , Montana , New Mexico , Pennsylvania , Rhode Island , and South Dakota held their primaries on Tuesday , and once the votes were all counted , Biden had earned the 1,991 delegates needed to make him the official nominee of the Democratic Party .
Biden became the presumptive nominee when Bernie Sanders dropped out of the race on April 8 , according to CBS News .
After losing the Wisconsin primary , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Since Biden was the only candidate left with enough delegates to possibly win the nomination outright , he became the presumptive nominee .
Though it was fairly clear that Biden would be the presidential nominee of the Democratic Party , he had to wait a long time before it became official , per CBS News .
The coronavirus pandemic forced several states to delay their primaries , which meant that Biden was caught in limbo for almost two months .
Without the necessary 1,991 delegates , he couldn ’ t be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happening , he couldn ’ t secure the required delegate count .
With the latest round of primaries , he finally crossed the finish line .
Biden talked about the eventful primary season and how the Democratic Party will move forward into November ’ s election in a post to Medium on Friday evening .
“ It was an honor to compete alongside one of the most talented groups of candidates the Democratic party has ever fielded — and I am proud to say that we are going into this general election a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In that same post , Biden made it clear that he is ready to be the leader of his party and the whole country .
“ The country is crying out for leadership .
Leadership that can unite us… We need an economy that works for everyone — now .
We need jobs that bring dignity — now .
We need equal justice — and equal opportunities — for every American now .
We need a president who cares about helping us heal — now.
” The nomination process will conclude when Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Convention , Vox reported .
Biden isn ’ t allowed to use funds raised by the Democratic National Committee for the general election until he ’ s formally nominated at the convention .
According to Vox , the Democratic National Convention was slated to take place in mid-July but was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The convention is now scheduled for the week of August 17 .

Former Vice-President Joe Biden is no longer the presumptive Democratic nominee, CBS News reported on Saturday. The District of Columbia, Indiana, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and South Dakota held their primaries on Tuesday, and once the votes were all counted, Biden had earned the 1,991 delegates needed to make him the official nominee of the Democratic Party.
Biden became the presumptive nominee when Bernie Sanders dropped out of the race on April 8, according to CBS News. After losing the Wisconsin primary, the Vermont senator officially suspended his campaign. Since Biden was the only candidate left with enough delegates to possibly win the nomination outright, he became the presumptive nominee.
Though it was fairly clear that Biden would be the presidential nominee of the Democratic Party, he had to wait a long time before it became official, per CBS News. The coronavirus pandemic forced several states to delay their primaries, which meant that Biden was caught in limbo for almost two months. Without the necessary 1,991 delegates, he couldn’t be the official nominee, but without the primaries happening, he couldn’t secure the required delegate count. With the latest round of primaries, he finally crossed the finish line.
Biden talked about the eventful primary season and how the Democratic Party will move forward into November’s election in a post to Medium on Friday evening.
“It was an honor to compete alongside one of the most talented groups of candidates the Democratic party has ever fielded — and I am proud to say that we are going into this general election a united party,” Biden wrote.
“I am going to spend every day between now and November 3rd fighting to earn the votes of Americans all across this great country…”
In that same post, Biden made it clear that he is ready to be the leader of his party and the whole country.
“The country is crying out for leadership. Leadership that can unite us… We need an economy that works for everyone — now. We need jobs that bring dignity — now. We need equal justice — and equal opportunities — for every American now. We need a president who cares about helping us heal — now.”
The nomination process will conclude when Biden is formally nominated at the Democratic National Convention, Vox reported. Biden isn’t allowed to use funds raised by the Democratic National Committee for the general election until he’s formally nominated at the convention.
According to Vox, the Democratic National Convention was slated to take place in mid-July but was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. The convention is now scheduled for the week of August 17.


inquisitr--2020-06-06--Batch Of Cotton Swabs For Coronavirus Testing Thrown Out After Donald Trump Visited Factory Without

Batch Of Cotton Swabs For Coronavirus Testing Thrown Out After Donald Trump Visited Factory Without Mask

A company that manufactures cotton swabs used for coronavirus testing said that a batch of swabs needed to be thrown out after President Donald Trump visited the factory this week — a trip in which he didn ’ t wear a mask .
As the USA Today reported , Puritan Medical Products said that the swabs manufactured in the background during Trump ’ s visit would be thrown in the trash .
The company did not say exactly how many were being thrown out or the exact reason .
As the report described , Trump toured the facility while wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the factory taking precautions to cover their hands and feet .
“ Workers in white lab coats , hair nets and plastic booties worked at machines making swabs while the president walked through the room , ” the report noted .
Trump has garnered considerable controversy in recent weeks for his refusal to wear a face mask , even when touring manufacturing facilities that are making critical medical supplies needed in the fight against the virus .
Critics said this could put employees and the supplies at risk , especially as a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested positive for the coronavirus .
Trump has , at times , been vocal in his opposition to wearing a mask , saying even as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention first issued guidance for people to wear them in public that he did not think he would be wearing one .
Many around Trump in the White House have followed suit , including Vice President Mike Pence , who went without a mask during a visit to the Mayo Clinic despite hospital protocol calling for everyone inside to wear one .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scrapped medical equipment , which comes amid a shortage of cotton swabs in facilities across the state of Maine .
As the Portland Press Herald reported , close to one-third of nursing homes in the state reported having no nasal swabs to conduct testing , and more than 60 percent said they had seven or fewer swabs at their facilities .
Trump ’ s visit to Maine this week also took a political bend , with supporters lining the streets to greet him upon his arrival .
Trump ’ s remarks were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took aim at the state ’ s governor for not yet lifting restrictions put in place to slow the spread of the coronavirus .


inquisitr--2020-06-06--Donald Trump Retweets Video Trashing George Floyd’s Character

On Friday night , President Donald Trump retweeted a Glenn Beck interview discussing George Floyd , the unarmed black man whose death sparked protests across the nation .
In the video clip shared by the president , BLEXIT founder Candace Owens said that Floyd , who had drugs in his system and reportedly on his person at the time of his death , was a “ symbol of black America.
” “ I don ’ t care if he just stabbed somebody , ” Beck said , adding that no one should be killed by the police by being held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But , he continued , Floyd had a “ long ” criminal record and was “ high ” and carrying drugs .
In the past , symbols of resistance like Rosa Parks , he says , were carefully selected .
Beck questioned whether a man like that is a symbol of black America .
“ I ’ m going to say yes , it is a symbol of black America today , ” Owens responded .
“ The fact that he has been held up has a martyr sickens me .
George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t care who wants to spin that .
I don ’ t care how CNN wants to make you think he changed his life around… it ’ s just not true , ” she said .
She then went on to describe Floyd ’ s alleged crimes and his previous stints in prison , describing an incident where he allegedly held a gun to a pregnant woman ’ s stomach while robbing her .
Social media users responded to Trump ’ s decision to amplify the message , saying that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and an attack on a man being held up as an example of police brutality against marginalized people , not as an exemplary life .
Others responded that black Americans didn ’ t select Floyd as an example of the community , the police made Floyd a focus of the movement .
Some said that no one was calling Floyd a hero , only saying that he shouldn ’ t have been killed for his alleged crime .
Trump ’ s retweet comes just hours after he gave a speech claiming that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hearing about May ’ s jobs report , which showed unexpected growth given the continuing coronavirus pandemic in the U.S .
The president ’ s comments were met with an intense backlash from people who slammed him for saying it was a “ great day ” for the slain man .

On Friday night, President Donald Trump retweeted a Glenn Beck interview discussing George Floyd, the unarmed black man whose death sparked protests across the nation. In the video clip shared by the president, BLEXIT founder Candace Owens said that Floyd, who had drugs in his system and reportedly on his person at the time of his death, was a “symbol of black America.”
“I don’t care if he just stabbed somebody,” Beck said, adding that no one should be killed by the police by being held down with a knee in the neck. But, he continued, Floyd had a “long” criminal record and was “high” and carrying drugs. In the past, symbols of resistance like Rosa Parks, he says, were carefully selected.
Beck questioned whether a man like that is a symbol of black America.
“I’m going to say yes, it is a symbol of black America today,” Owens responded.
“It’s a symbol of a broken culture in black America today and that people are not willing to talk about, again, how we contribute to our own demise.”
I don't care WHAT George Floyd did. The officer should have never treated him like that and killed him! But we still must ask: Is he a HERO? BLEXIT founder @RealCandaceO gave her thoughts: "The fact that he has been held up as a martyr sickens me." pic.twitter.com/0Tm47x5Cc8 — Glenn Beck (@glennbeck) June 4, 2020
“The fact that he has been held up has a martyr sickens me. George Floyd was not a good person. I don’t care who wants to spin that. I don’t care how CNN wants to make you think he changed his life around… it’s just not true,” she said.
She then went on to describe Floyd’s alleged crimes and his previous stints in prison, describing an incident where he allegedly held a gun to a pregnant woman’s stomach while robbing her.
Social media users responded to Trump’s decision to amplify the message, saying that it was “disgusting,” sickening, and an attack on a man being held up as an example of police brutality against marginalized people, not as an exemplary life.
Others responded that black Americans didn’t select Floyd as an example of the community, the police made Floyd a focus of the movement. Some said that no one was calling Floyd a hero, only saying that he shouldn’t have been killed for his alleged crime.
Trump’s retweet comes just hours after he gave a speech claiming that Floyd was likely looking down happily after hearing about May’s jobs report, which showed unexpected growth given the continuing coronavirus pandemic in the U.S.
The president’s comments were met with an intense backlash from people who slammed him for saying it was a “great day” for the slain man.


inquisitr--2020-06-06--Republicans Reportedly Concerned Donald Trump May Cost Them Senate

According to a Saturday report from The Hill , Republicans in the United States Senate are growing increasingly concerned that President Donald Trump has alienated moderate voters .
GOP leaders reportedly fear that Trump ’ s aggressive response to the nationwide protests over George Floyd ’ s death could help the Democrats take control of the upper chamber .
The president ’ s attempt to rally his base could backfire and potentially allow the Democratic Party to make inroads with a number of key voting blocs , some Republicans fear .
A Republican senator said that Trump ’ s mishandling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the novel coronavirus coupled with his response to the demonstrations could spell trouble for the GOP .
A second GOP senator echoed his colleague , pointing to Trump ’ s inflammatory rhetoric .
“ There are a lot of people in the middle that are looking for calmness .
It ’ s the tone and the words he ’ s using that I think might harm us back home , ” they said .
Some Republicans have shared their concerns publicly .
Vulnerable senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests .
Collins criticized Trump for ordering security forces to crack down on protesters in front of the White House , and Murkowski praised former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis for speaking out against the commander-in-chief .
Similarly , Senate Majority Whip John Thune called on Trump to “ respond in a calm way ” to the protests .
Thurne pointed to Trump ’ s tweets , saying that the president should strive to “ strike a tone ” that shows he understands why so many Americans are frustrated .
As The Hill noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long warned that Republicans need to make inroads with suburban women and college graduates in order to keep control of the upper chamber .
According to a CNN analysis published in May , Democrats are “ slight favorites ” to win control of the Senate .
In order to do so , they would have to win three seats if former Vice President Joe Biden wins the White House or four seats in case Trump wins reelection .
The analysis concluded that the Democrats ’ chances of winning at least three seats are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show Trump trailing Biden , both nationwide and in battleground states .
Apparently concerned over his standing in key states , Trump reportedly held an emergency meeting with his top advisers earlier this week .

According to a Saturday report from The Hill, Republicans in the United States Senate are growing increasingly concerned that President Donald Trump has alienated moderate voters.
GOP leaders reportedly fear that Trump’s aggressive response to the nationwide protests over George Floyd’s death could help the Democrats take control of the upper chamber. The president’s attempt to rally his base could backfire and potentially allow the Democratic Party to make inroads with a number of key voting blocs, some Republicans fear.
A Republican senator said that Trump’s mishandling of the public health crisis caused by the novel coronavirus coupled with his response to the demonstrations could spell trouble for the GOP.
“The last week and a half has certainly raised the level of angst over the politics of the presidential race and consequences on the Senate. I think it’s just kind of become one thing after another. Initially the handling of COVID and now this.”
A second GOP senator echoed his colleague, pointing to Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric.
“There are a lot of people in the middle that are looking for calmness. It’s the tone and the words he’s using that I think might harm us back home,” they said.
Some Republicans have shared their concerns publicly. Vulnerable senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska have both criticized the president amid ongoing protests. Collins criticized Trump for ordering security forces to crack down on protesters in front of the White House, and Murkowski praised former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis for speaking out against the commander-in-chief.
Similarly, Senate Majority Whip John Thune called on Trump to “respond in a calm way” to the protests. Thurne pointed to Trump’s tweets, saying that the president should strive to “strike a tone” that shows he understands why so many Americans are frustrated.
As The Hill noted, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has long warned that Republicans need to make inroads with suburban women and college graduates in order to keep control of the upper chamber.
According to a CNN analysis published in May, Democrats are “slight favorites” to win control of the Senate. In order to do so, they would have to win three seats if former Vice President Joe Biden wins the White House or four seats in case Trump wins reelection. The analysis concluded that the Democrats’ chances of winning at least three seats are around 60 percent.
Most recent polls show Trump trailing Biden, both nationwide and in battleground states. Apparently concerned over his standing in key states, Trump reportedly held an emergency meeting with his top advisers earlier this week.


inquisitr--2020-06-07--Donald Trump Taunted After Tweet About Washington D.C. Protest Crowd Size

Donald Trump tweeted his thanks to the forces guarding the protest in the wake of George Floyd ’ s death in Washington D.C. on Saturday afternoon , and he mentioned that the crowd was smaller than expected .
Several people took the opportunity to taunt the president about the size of his inauguration crowd , which is something many people said he lied about the size of those who gathered to watch him take office .
“ Much smaller crowd in D.C. than anticipated .
National Guard , Secret Service , and D.C. Police have been doing a fantastic job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president .
The tweet received nearly 138,000 “ likes ” on the popular social media platform , and over 30,500 Twitter accounts retweeted the message .
Plus , almost 30,000 users replied with a message for the president .
Economist David Rothchild also composed two replies to Trump ’ s tweet dismissing the crowd sizes in D.C. on Saturday .
He took the opportunity to get a dig in at the president about not only his inauguration crowd size but also his retweet inside the White House Saturday due to the protests .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that protests against him are way bigger than his sad little inauguration , ” Rothchild wrote .
“ Must be intimidating for someone who lives inside of a bunker to protect himself from The People , when so many of The People show up to protest him.
” A few Twitter users noted that if he thought the crowds were small that he might have been looking at the crowds from that day in January 2017 when Trump took his oath of office .
They shared pictures and videos from today to show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowds in the nation ’ s capital .
Comedian and writer Nick Jack Pappas also replied with two comments .
Pappas commented on Trump being in the underground bunker where he reportedly went earlier in the week among the protests , and several others who replied also alluded to or mentioned the shelter and used a hashtag about the bunker .
“ One thing is pretty clear .
There were a lot more people in D.C. today than there were at your inauguration , ” taunted the comedian .
Some of those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fencing that went up outside the White House as the protests in Washinton D.C. continued throughout the week .

Donald Trump tweeted his thanks to the forces guarding the White House in wake of the protests following George Floyd’s death and mentioned on Saturday that the crowd was smaller than expected. Several people took the opportunity to taunt the president about the size of his inauguration crowd, which is something many people said he lied about, as he’s often boasted about the number of those who gathered to watch him take office.
“Much smaller crowd in D.C. than anticipated. National Guard, Secret Service, and D.C. Police have been doing a fantastic job. Thank you!” tweeted the president.
The tweet received nearly 138,000 “likes” on the popular social media platform, and over 30,500 Twitter accounts retweeted the message. Plus, almost 30,000 users replied with a message for the president.
White House correspondent and political analyst Brian Karem retweeted President Trump’s tweet with a taunt attached.
“I don’t know @realDonaldTrump. I was also at your inauguration. This crowd is larger.”
Economist David Rothschild also composed two replies to Trump’s tweet dismissing the crowd sizes in D.C. on Saturday. He took the opportunity to get a dig in at the president about not only his inauguration crowd size but also his retreat inside the White House Saturday due to the protests.
“Haha, insecure wannabe authoritarian embarrassed that protests against him are way bigger than his sad little inauguration,” Rothschild tweeted. “Must be intimidating for someone who lives inside of a bunker to protect himself from The People, when so many of The People show up to protest him.”
More fencing going up around the White House complex early this morning pic.twitter.com/VLBRnx1lgz — Betsy Klein (@betsy_klein) June 4, 2020
A few Twitter users noted that if he thought the crowds were small, he might have been looking at the crowds from that day in January 2017 when Trump took his oath of office. They shared pictures and videos from today to show him the size of Saturday’s crowds in the nation’s capital.
Comedian and writer Nick Jack Pappas also replied with two comments. Pappas commented on Trump being in the underground bunker where he reportedly went earlier in the week among the protests, and several others who replied also alluded to or mentioned the shelter and used a hashtag about the bunker.
“One thing is pretty clear. There were a lot more people in D.C. today than there were at your inauguration,” taunted the comedian.
Some of those who replied also slammed the president because of the fencing that went up outside the White House as the protests in Washington D.C. continued.


inquisitr--2020-06-07--Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey Booed Out Of George Floyd Protest

Jacob Frey , the Democratic mayor of Minneapolis , Minnesota , was booed out of a police brutality protest on Saturday , Fox News reported .
The mayor reportedly refused to to back calls to to defund the Minneapolis Police Department , which angered some protesters , who then told him to leave .
The Minneapolis Police Department was involved in the death of George Floyd .
Floyd , an African-American man , died in the custody of the department after officer Derek Chauvin pinned him to the ground and choked him to death .
Floyd ’ s death sparked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Fox News , Frey has — like many Democratic officials — attempted to walk the fine line between supporting the protests and supporting the police .
On Saturday , he apparently failed to do so .
The mayor refused to commit to abolishing or defunding the city ’ s police department , telling a protester that he has “ been coming to grips with my own brokenness in this situation.
” “ I do not support the full abolition of the Minneapolis Police Department , ” he said after being pressed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then get the f**k out of here , ” the mayor was then told .
“ Go home Jacob , go home , ” some protesters yelled , as others booed and chanted “ shame , shame , shame ” at Frey .
In one of the videos , the mayor is seen walking away from the demonstration as protesters chant , throw objects , and show him the middle finger .
Frey ’ s refusal to explicitly support aggressive reform measures and the protesters ’ reaction echoes what has been going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have reportedly been growing increasingly frustrated with city leaders , many of whom have appeared hesitant to fulfill their requests .
In an apparent attempt to appease the protesters , Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser had “ Black Lives Matter ” painted on a street near the White House .
The District of Columbia ’ s Black Lives Matter chapter described the mural as a “ performative distraction from real policy changes.
” “ Bowser has consistently been on the wrong side of BLMDC history .
This is to appease white liberals while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means defund the police.
, ” the group said .
Democratic mayors and leaders have also faced criticism from other political figures .
Notably , President Donald Trump recently described Frey as “ weak ” for failing to crack down on the protests in his city .
Although apparently popular among activists , calls to defund the police are not particularly popular among voters .
According to a Yahoo News/YouGov poll released last week , 65 percent of Americans do not think defunding police departments is a good idea .
Republicans , Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Jacob Frey, the Democratic mayor of Minneapolis, Minnesota, was booed out of a police brutality protest on Saturday, Fox News reported.
The mayor reportedly refused to back calls to defund the city’s police department, which angered some protesters, who then told him to leave.
The Minneapolis Police Department was involved in the death of George Floyd. Floyd, an African American man, died in the custody of the department after former officer Derek Chauvin pinned him to the ground by his neck for nearly nine minutes.
Floyd’s death sparked unprecedented backlash and nationwide protests. According to Fox News, Frey has — like many Democratic officials — attempted to walk the fine line between supporting the protests and supporting the police. On Saturday, he apparently failed to do so.
The mayor refused to commit to abolishing or defunding the city’s police department, telling a protester that he has “been coming to grips with my own brokenness in this situation.”
“I do not support the full abolition of the Minneapolis Police Department,” he said after being pressed by some of the protesters.
“Alright, then get the f*ck out of here,” the mayor was then told.
“Go home Jacob, go home,” some protesters yelled, as others booed and chanted “shame, shame, shame” at Frey.
In one of the videos, the mayor was seen walking away from the demonstration as protesters chanted, threw objects, and showed him the middle finger.
Frey’s refusal to explicitly support aggressive reform measures and the protesters’ reaction echoes what has been going on across the nation. The activists have reportedly been growing increasingly frustrated with city leaders, many of whom have appeared hesitant to fulfill their requests.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey showed up today at the protests. He was asked if he would commit to abolishing/defunding the police. Incredible to witness crowd hold him directly accountable. Man did a literal walk of shame. pic.twitter.com/v645mfIZHt — Sana Saeed (@SanaSaeed) June 6, 2020
In an apparent attempt to appease the protesters, Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser had “Black Lives Matter” painted on a street near the White House. The District of Columbia’s Black Lives Matter chapter described the mural as a “performative distraction from real policy changes.”
“Bowser has consistently been on the wrong side of BLMDC history. This is to appease white liberals while ignoring our demands. Black Lives Matter means defund the police,” the group wrote on Twitter.
Democratic mayors and leaders have also faced criticism from other political figures. Notably, Donald Trump recently described Frey as “weak” for failing to crack down on the protests in his city.
Although apparently popular among activists, calls to defund the police are not particularly popular among voters. According to a Yahoo News/YouGov poll released last week, 65 percent of Americans do not think defunding police departments is a good idea. Republicans, Democrats and Independents all oppose such measures.


inquisitr--2020-06-07--Joe Biden Passes Donald Trump For First Time As Favorite To Win 2020 Election, Oddsmaker Says

Joe Biden is the favorite to win the 2020 presidential election for the first time , an oddsmaker says .
As McClatchy reported , the former vice president surpassed Donald Trump in betting odds at the online site Bookies.com .
Trump had been at -114 odds last week — meaning that people betting on Trump to win needed to lay down $ 114 to win $ 100 — but over the course of the week fell to +105 odds .
Biden now stands at -110 odds to win the election , the outfit showed .
While Biden has been leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for much of the campaign , Trump has remained a favorite in betting odds .
The site noted that Trump ’ s handling of the nationwide protests in the wake of George Floyd ’ s death in Minneapolis was the main reason behind the drop .
“ It seems Trump ’ s words and actions , or lack thereof , in dealing with nationwide protests has played the biggest part , ” Bookies.com said in a press release , noting that Biden had been on the upswing for weeks .
The surge in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrapped up the Democratic primary , making him the party ’ s candidate pending the delegates putting the official stamp on it later this summer at the Democratic National Convention .
Biden had become the presumptive nominee when Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders suspended his campaign in April , but the former vice president still needed to reach 1,991 pledged delegates in order to seal the nomination .
Biden reportedly reached that mark with the most recent Democratic contests .
Despite the effects of the coronavirus keeping Biden off the campaign trail , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a number of issues , including his handling of protests .
While Trump threatened to send the U.S. military to crack down on violent protesters and posed by a church near the White House after police had used force to clear out peaceful protesters , Biden has expressed more sympathy toward the cause and the Black Lives Matter movement , appearing at a protest in Delaware and speaking by phone with Floyd ’ s family .
In a post on Medium , Biden said it was an “ honor ” to be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such a talented field and said he was proud to be leading a united party .
He also pledged to continue trying to bring the Democratic Party together in the coming months .
“ I am going to spend every day between now and November 3rd fighting to earn the votes of Americans all across this great country so that , together , we can win the battle for the soul of this nation , and make sure that as we rebuild our economy , everyone comes along , ” Biden wrote .

Joe Biden is the favorite to win the 2020 U.S. presidential election for the first time, an oddsmaker says.
As McClatchy reported, the former vice president surpassed President Donald Trump in betting odds at the online site Bookies.com. Trump had been at -114 odds last week — meaning that people betting on Trump to win needed to lay down $114 to win $100 — but over the course of the week fell to +105 odds. Biden now stands at -110 odds to win the election, the outfit showed.
While Biden has been leading Trump in both national and statewide polls for much of the campaign, Trump has remained a favorite in betting odds.
The site noted that Trump’s handling of the nationwide protests in the wake of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis was the main reason behind the drop.
“It seems Trump’s words and actions, or lack thereof, in dealing with nationwide protests has played the biggest part,” Bookies.com said in a press release, noting that Biden had been on the upswing for weeks.
The surge in standing among betting odds comes as Biden wrapped up the Democratic primary, making him the party’s candidate pending the delegates putting the official stamp on it later this summer at the Democratic National Convention.
Biden had become the presumptive nominee when Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders suspended his campaign in April, but the former vice president still needed to reach 1,991 pledged delegates in order to seal the nomination. Biden reportedly reached that mark with the most recent Democratic contests.
Despite the effects of the coronavirus keeping Biden off the campaign trail, he has been active in pressing Trump on a number of issues, including his handling of protests. While Trump threatened to send the U.S. military to crack down on violent protesters and posed by a church near the White House after police had used force to clear out peaceful protesters, Biden has expressed more sympathy toward the cause and the Black Lives Matter movement, appearing at a protest in Delaware and speaking by phone with Floyd’s family.
In a post on Medium, Biden said it was an “honor” to be able to compete for the Democratic nomination with such a talented field and said he was proud to be leading a united party. He also pledged to continue trying to bring the Democratic Party together in the coming months.
“I am going to spend every day between now and November 3rd fighting to earn the votes of Americans all across this great country so that, together, we can win the battle for the soul of this nation, and make sure that as we rebuild our economy, everyone comes along,” Biden wrote.


inquisitr--2020-06-07--Ohio Reportedly Seen As Potential Battleground State In 2020 Election

According to a Saturday report from The Hill , Ohio is increasingly viewed as a potential battleground state in the 2020 presidential election .
In 2016 , President Donald Trump won Ohio against former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton , in part thanks to voters who backed former President Barack Obama twice , but refused to support Clinton .
The Trump campaign has already spent a considerable amount of money on defending the state in 2020 , but new polling appears to have made some Democrats rethink their standing in the Buckeye State .
According to a recent Fox News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential nominee Joe Biden has surged past Trump in Ohio .
Other polls paint a similar picture , suggesting that the race may indeed be competitive .
Pointing to Sen. Sherrod Brown ’ s 2018 victory over former GOP Rep. James Renacci , Democratic strategist Aaron Pickrell said that Ohio is “ within reach.
” “ People look at 2016 and they think that somehow Ohio became a totally red state… but I think the Biden campaign should spend here .
We ’ re surrounded by two other battlegrounds in Michigan and Pennsylvania @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Pickrell said .
Republicans are not concerned yet .
A GOP operative who has worked in Ohio conceded that the president ’ s standing in the state is currently far from ideal , but noted that once voters have a choice between Trump and a Democrat , they will pick Trump .
“ But the factor that has not yet emerged is the choice between Trump and a Democrat , and I ’ m confident that once the choice presents itself in the fall , Ohio and other states where the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his campaign , ” the operative said .
According to recent polling , Trump ’ s approval is higher in Ohio than nationally , largely thanks to the fact that the president has a strong base in the state .
Rural voters and white voters without a college degree overwhelmingly back Trump over Biden , but the Democrat is much stronger in the suburbs .
In a statement , Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said that the president “ will win Ohio , but we will not make Hillary Clinton ’ s 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to Josh Schwerin , a strategist for the Democratic super PAC Priorities USA , the fact that the Trump campaign is investing money in a state like Ohio shows that his team is “ on defense.
” However , Schwerin noted that his organization will not spend money in the Buckeye State .
According to reports , Trump and his allies are alarmed by Biden ’ s standing in key states .
Earlier this week , the president reportedly held an emergency meeting with his top advisers .

According to a Saturday report from The Hill, Ohio is increasingly viewed as a potential battleground state in the 2020 presidential election.
In 2016, President Donald Trump won Ohio against former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in part thanks to voters who backed former President Barack Obama twice but refused to support Clinton.
The Trump campaign has already spent a considerable amount of money on defending the state in 2020, but new polling appears to show some Democrats rethinking their standing in the Buckeye State.
According to a recent Fox News poll, the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee Joe Biden has surged past Trump in Ohio. Other polls paint a similar picture, suggesting that the race may indeed be competitive.
Pointing to Sen. Sherrod Brown’s 2018 victory over former GOP Rep. James Renacci, Democratic strategist Aaron Pickrell said that Ohio is “within reach.”
“People look at 2016 and they think that somehow Ohio became a totally red state… but I think the Biden campaign should spend here. We’re surrounded by two other battlegrounds in Michigan and Pennsylvania, and the same messaging applies,” Pickrell said.
Republicans are not concerned yet. A GOP operative who has worked in Ohio conceded that the president’s standing in the state is currently far from ideal, but noted that once voters have a choice between Trump and a Democrat, they will pick Trump.
“But the factor that has not yet emerged is the choice between Trump and a Democrat, and I’m confident that once the choice presents itself in the fall, Ohio and other states where the president succeeded last time will turn around for his campaign,” the operative said.
According to recent polling, Trump’s approval is higher in Ohio than nationally, largely thanks to the fact that the president has a strong base in the state. Rural voters and white voters without a college degree overwhelmingly back Trump over Biden, but the Democrat is much stronger in the suburbs.
In a statement, Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said that the president “will win Ohio, but we will not make Hillary Clinton’s 2016 mistake and take states for granted.”
According to Josh Schwerin, a strategist for the Democratic super PAC Priorities USA, the fact that the Trump campaign is investing money in a state like Ohio shows that his team is “on defense.” However, Schwerin noted that his organization will not spend money in the Buckeye State.
According to reports, Trump and his allies are alarmed by Biden’s standing in key states. Earlier this week, the president reportedly held an emergency meeting with his top advisers.


inquisitr--2020-06-07--George W. Bush, Other Republicans Reportedly Won’t Support Donald Trump In 2020 Election

According to a Saturday report from The New York Times , former President George W. Bush and a number of other prominent Republicans will not support President Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election .
Sources close to the Bush family told the publication that the former president will not back Trump in November , while his younger brother Jeb Bush , the former Governor of Florida and 2016 Republican presidential candidate , is not yet sure how he will vote .
Senator Mitt Romney of Utah , who was the only Republican to vote to convict Trump on one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s impeachment trial , does not plan on backing Trump .
The senator will reportedly either cast another ballot or write in his wife ’ s name .
Cindy McCain , the widow of late Senator John McCain , will reportedly not vote for Trump either .
According to individuals familiar with her thinking , McCain will cast her ballot for former Vice President Joe Biden , the Democratic Party ’ s presumptive presidential nominee .
Rick Davis , a longtime McCain adviser , said that the late senator ’ s wife is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fears backlash .
“ Picking a fight with Trump is no fun .
You know where her heart is .
Whether she articulates that or not is still an open question , ” he said .
Former Republican House Speakers Paul D. Ryan and John A. Boehner have not yet backed Trump either , but it remains unclear who they will support in the November election .
Republican Rep. Francis Rooney of Florida openly told the NYT that he is considering supporting Biden for president .
Rooney said that many of those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they did not want to support former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and noted that there are concerns Biden could cave to pressure from progressives and move left on some issues .
“ What he ’ s always been is not scary .
A lot of people that voted for President Trump did so because they did not like Hillary Clinton .
I don ’ t see that happening with Joe Biden — how can you not like Joe Biden ?
” he said .
As the publication noted , the Biden campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 strategy is wooing so-called moderate Republicans .
The former vice president will reportedly formalize his efforts later in the campaign , when he plans on launching his “ Republicans for Biden ” coalition .
Biden is ahead of Trump in most polls .
According to a a Washington Post/ABC News survey released last week , the former vice president has surged to a double-digit lead nationwide .

According to a Saturday report from The New York Times, former President George W. Bush and a number of other prominent Republicans will not support Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election.
Sources close to the Bush family told the publication that the former president will not back Trump in November, while his younger brother Jeb Bush, the former governor of Florida and 2016 Republican presidential candidate, is not yet sure how he will vote.
Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah, who was the only Republican to vote to convict Trump on one of the charges in the Senate’s impeachment trial, does not plan on backing Trump. The senator will reportedly either cast another ballot or write in his wife’s name.
Cindy McCain, the widow of late Sen. John McCain, will reportedly not vote for Trump either. According to individuals familiar with her thinking, McCain will cast her ballot for former Vice President Joe Biden, the Democratic Party’s presumptive presidential nominee.
Rick Davis, a longtime McCain adviser, said that the late senator’s wife is hesitant to oppose Trump publicly because she fears backlash.
“Picking a fight with Trump is no fun. You know where her heart is. Whether she articulates that or not is still an open question,” he said.
Former Republican House Speakers Paul D. Ryan and John A. Boehner have not yet backed Trump either, but it remains unclear who they will support in the November election.
Republican Rep. Francis Rooney of Florida openly told the NYT that he is considering supporting Biden for president. Rooney said that many of those who backed Trump in 2016 did so because they did not want to support former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and noted that there are concerns Biden could cave to pressure from progressives and move left on some issues.
“What he’s always been is not scary. A lot of people that voted for President Trump did so because they did not like Hillary Clinton. I don’t see that happening with Joe Biden — how can you not like Joe Biden?” he said.
As the publication noted, the Biden campaign has repeatedly stressed that part of its 2020 strategy is wooing so-called moderate Republicans. The former vice president will reportedly formalize his efforts later in the campaign, when he plans on launching his “Republicans for Biden” coalition.
Biden is ahead of Trump in most polls. According to a Washington Post/ABC News survey released last week, the former vice president has surged to a double-digit lead nationwide.


inquisitr--2020-06-07--In Heated Oval Office Meeting, Donald Trump Reportedly Demanded 10K Active Duty Troops Patrol Washin

In Heated Oval Office Meeting, Donald Trump Reportedly Demanded 10K Active Duty Troops Patrol Washington, D.C.

Donald Trump demanded that top military leaders call up 10,000 active duty U.S. troops to patrol the streets of Washington , D.C. , during a heated Oval Office meeting earlier in the week , a report claims .
The report from CBS News claimed that Trump demanded the military call up the active duty troops to station in the nation ’ s capital amid growing unrest and sometimes violent protests following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
The report noted that Trump ’ s idea was met with sharp pushback , with Attorney General William Barr , Defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chairman Mark Milley all objecting to the idea of using U.S. troops in that manner .
Trump had threatened on Twitter a number of times throughout the week to use active duty troops to disperse protests .
The report added that Esper and Milley tried to satisfy Trump ’ s demand by pushing governors on a call later that day to call up the National Guard , threatening that they could send active duty troops across the country if governors did not comply .
The report also claimed that some of those top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a controversial political action without knowing it had been planned .
Esper and Milley were headed to the FBI ’ s Washington Field Office the same day as the heated meeting when they received a call to return to the White House and update the president .
While they did not end up briefing Trump , they were asked to stay for is address in the Rose Garden and accompany him on a walk to St. John ’ s Episcopal Church afterward .
They were seen walking with Trump after his speech and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear peaceful protesters from the area around Lafayette Park , which led to controversy and criticism that military leaders appeared to participate in what was seen as a political photo op for Trump .
A number of former military leaders spoke out against Trump this week for using force to clear protesters , including former U.S. Marine General and onetime Secretary of Defense James Mattis .
He denounced the president in a statement this week , accusing Trump of using the U.S. military to violate the constitutional rights of Americans protesting Floyd ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 , ” Mattis wrote in a piece published in The Atlantic .
“ We are witnessing the consequences of three years of this deliberate effort .
We are witnessing the consequences of three years without mature leadership .
We can unite without him , drawing on the strengths inherent in our civil society .
”

Donald Trump demanded that top military leaders call up 10,000 active duty U.S. troops to patrol the streets of Washington, D.C., during a heated Oval Office meeting earlier in the week, a report claims.
The report from CBS News claimed that Trump demanded the military call up the active duty troops to station in the nation’s capital amid growing unrest and sometimes violent protests following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The report noted that Trump’s idea was met with sharp pushback, with Attorney General William Barr, Defense Secretary Mark Esper, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley all objecting to the idea of using U.S. troops in that manner.
Trump had threatened on Twitter a number of times throughout the week to use active duty troops to disperse protests.
The report added that Esper and Milley tried to satisfy Trump’s demand by pushing governors on a call later that day to call up the National Guard, threatening that they could send active duty troops across the country if governors did not comply.
The report also claimed that some of those top military leaders may have been pulled into a controversial political action without knowing it had been planned. Esper and Milley were headed to the FBI’s Washington Field Office the same day as the reportedly heated meeting when they received a call to return to the White House and update the president. While they did not end up briefing Trump, they were asked to stay for his address in the Rose Garden and accompany him on a walk to St. John’s Episcopal Church afterward.
They were seen walking with Trump following his speech and after law enforcement officers used force to clear peaceful protesters from the area around Lafayette Park, which led to controversy and criticism that military leaders appeared to participate in what was seen as a political photo op for Trump.
A number of former military leaders spoke out against Trump this week for using force to clear protesters, including former U.S. Marine General and onetime Secretary of Defense James Mattis. He denounced the president in a statement this week, accusing Trump of using the U.S. military to violate the constitutional rights of Americans protesting Floyd’s death.
“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,” Mattis wrote in a piece published in The Atlantic. “We are witnessing the consequences of three years of this deliberate effort. We are witnessing the consequences of three years without mature leadership. We can unite without him, drawing on the strengths inherent in our civil society.”