usatoday--2020-06-04--White House mood darkens as Trump battles with James Mattis, criticism over Bible photo op

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump struggled to pivot away from an avalanche of bad news Thursday even as White House aides acknowledged feeling under siege from protesters , the coronavirus and the media .
Over the past 24 hours , the White House has confronted a public split between the president and Defense Secretary Mark Esper , a blistering denunciation by his former top Pentagon official James Mattis , a new jobs report documenting an additional 1.9 million Americans filed initial unemployment claims and lingering questions about the decision to clear a park of peaceful protesters Monday for a presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has long courted chaos , it 's been a tumultuous week .
`` It 's almost as though sometimes the media is telling us , 'Shame on you , Donald Trump , shame on you , the administration , for not allowing protesters , rioters and looters to come back and finish the job they started , ' `` White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said Thursday .
Protesters set a fire at St. John 's Church Sunday night , but the demonstrators in Lafayette Square on Monday were not rioting .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticize media coverage of the president 's decision to clear Lafayette Square so the president could hold a Bible for cameras at St. John 's Church .
Some aides , speaking on the condition of anonymity , acknowledged the images of police clearing the park was not a good look , though they insisted Trump 's intentions were to put pressure on rioters , not peaceful protesters .
The events have darkened the mood at the White House , those aides said .
`` It damaged presidential credibility , '' said Matt Bennett @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Way , who was a White House official during President Bill Clinton 's administration .
`` The White House and the government simply lied about the assault , claiming there was no use of force when the entire world could see that there was . ''
Trump has wrestled with how to respond to not only the protests but also the underlying angst over the death of George Floyd , a black man who died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes as he pleaded for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outrage and demands for action to address police brutality toward African Americans .
Trump eschewed the opportunity for a national address calling for unity and healing .
The vacuum was filled by damaging news .
Administration officials said it was Ivanka Trump 's idea for the president to go to the church Monday but insisted she was not involved in executing the plan .
The clearing of Lafayette Park – in which authorities used pepper spray and other forceful measures – prompted bipartisan criticism from Capitol Hill .
A much larger turnout of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next day .
Brian Greenberg , 67 , a semiretired climate change consultant from Washington , said he turned out Wednesday to honor Floyd and protest Trump .
`` It all starts about a quarter-mile over there at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue , '' he said .
`` I deplore Donald Trump .
He is causing so much pain . ''
Greenberg carried a hand-drawn two-sided sign .
One side read , `` Shame !
Shame !
Military goon squads and a tinpot President . ''
On the other side , Greenberg poked fun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him Monday if the book he was holding in front of the church was `` your Bible . ''
`` Trump 's answer to national pain and despair , '' Greenberg 's sign read .
`` 'It 's a Bible . '
'' Trump and other White House officials were caught off guard Wednesday by Esper 's announcement that he opposes using the U.S. military to quiet domestic unrest , a break with Trump so severe that it raised speculation about Esper 's longevity at the Pentagon .
Trump had threatened to invoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into states .
Esper said he opposed that idea based on the situation .
Hours later , Esper 's predecessor penned an op-ed blasting Trump as `` the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people . ''
The criticism was particularly noteworthy because Mattis – once hailed by Trump as one of `` my generals '' – has rarely taken aim at the White House since leaving the administration .
`` Never did I dream that troops taking that same oath would be ordered under any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their fellow citizens – much less to provide a bizarre photo op for the elected commander-in-chief , with military leadership standing alongside , '' Mattis wrote in The Atlantic .
In part because the coronavirus has forced a suspension of rallies and other campaign events , the hits come at a perilous moment for Trump 's reelection .
Polls show Trump struggling against Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden in some battleground states .
A Reuters/Ipsos poll this week indicated that a majority of Americans sympathize with Floyd protesters over Trump ’ s rhetoric @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to Floyd death and protests , polls find More bad news looms Friday when the government 's May employment report is likely to show the jobless rate surging to nearly 20 % as the economy hemorrhaged jobs during the pandemic .
Aides said they remain confident Trump will ultimately prevail , that his law-and-order messaging on the protesters will resonate with swing voters , that the pandemic is receding and that the economy is poised to snap back .
Get tough ?
Trump returns to 2016 theme as violence spreads after Floyd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capture the initiative by noting Iran 's decision Thursday to release an American Navy veteran , Michael White , who had been imprisoned for nearly two years .
The move was the latest signal that tensions with Iran , which flared this year , appeared to be subsiding as both countries have focused on the virus .
`` What a great day for this country , '' Gidley said .
`` He 's gotten more detainees , more hostages back then just about any other president , and he 's going to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mostly out of view since Tuesday , when he posed for photographs at a Catholic shrine in Washington .
But the drumbeat of bad news has continued .
Trump , who has maintained a tight grip on his party , has seen a growing number of Republicans break ranks with him over his response to Floyd 's death .
Sen. Lisa Murkowski , R-Alaska , said Thursday she agreed with the public condemnation of Trump by Mattis and said she was struggling over whether she would vote for the president in November .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and honest and necessary and overdue , '' adding that his words led her to believe that `` perhaps we are getting to a point where we can be more honest with the concerns that we might hold internally and have the courage of our own convictions to speak up . ''
As they have during past challenging news cycles , White House aides tried to pivot the message toward favorite talking points .
The president is likely to sign an executive order Thursday in the Oval Office focused on expediting permitting , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House events intended to speed infrastructure investment .
Since taking office , Trump has signed at least five orders focused on infrastructure and permitting .
Even the efforts to get ahead of the news have underscored Trump 's challenge : A planned visit to Maine on Friday to tour a business that manufacturers medical swabs has drawn bipartisan resistance .
Sen. Susan Collins , R-Maine , who is in a tight race for reelection , said she will not appear with Trump .
Maine Gov .
Janet Mills , a Democrat , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visit to the state could create unrest .

David Jackson and John Fritze, USA TODAY

White House mood darkens as Trump battles with James Mattis, criticism over Bible photo op
Show Caption Hide Caption Bishop slams Trump after protesters forced out near St. John's church Police used gas to clear protesters from Lafayette Park before President Donald Trump walked over and held a Bible up at St. John's Episcopal Church. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump struggled to pivot away from an avalanche of bad news Thursday even as White House aides acknowledged feeling under siege from protesters, the coronavirus and the media.
Over the past 24 hours, the White House has confronted a public split between the president and Defense Secretary Mark Esper, a blistering denunciation by his former top Pentagon official James Mattis, a new jobs report documenting an additional 1.9 million Americans filed initial unemployment claims and lingering questions about the decision to clear a park of peaceful protesters Monday for a presidential photo op.
Even for a president who has long courted chaos, it's been a tumultuous week.
"It's almost as though sometimes the media is telling us, 'Shame on you, Donald Trump, shame on you, the administration, for not allowing protesters, rioters and looters to come back and finish the job they started,' " White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said Thursday. Protesters set a fire at St. John's Church Sunday night, but the demonstrators in Lafayette Square on Monday were not rioting.
The official White House message has been to criticize media coverage of the president's decision to clear Lafayette Square so the president could hold a Bible for cameras at St. John's Church. Some aides, speaking on the condition of anonymity, acknowledged the images of police clearing the park was not a good look, though they insisted Trump's intentions were to put pressure on rioters, not peaceful protesters.
The events have darkened the mood at the White House, those aides said.
"It damaged presidential credibility," said Matt Bennett with the center left think tank Third Way, who was a White House official during President Bill Clinton's administration. "The White House and the government simply lied about the assault, claiming there was no use of force when the entire world could see that there was."
Trump has wrestled with how to respond to not only the protests but also the underlying angst over the death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes as he pleaded for breath. Floyd's death stirred nationwide outrage and demands for action to address police brutality toward African Americans. Trump eschewed the opportunity for a national address calling for unity and healing. The vacuum was filled by damaging news.
Administration officials said it was Ivanka Trump's idea for the president to go to the church Monday but insisted she was not involved in executing the plan. The clearing of Lafayette Park – in which authorities used pepper spray and other forceful measures – prompted bipartisan criticism from Capitol Hill. A much larger turnout of protesters arrived at the White House the next day.
Brian Greenberg, 67, a semiretired climate change consultant from Washington, said he turned out Wednesday to honor Floyd and protest Trump.
"It all starts about a quarter-mile over there at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue," he said. "I deplore Donald Trump. He is causing so much pain."
Greenberg carried a hand-drawn two-sided sign. One side read, "Shame! Shame! Military goon squads and a tinpot President." On the other side, Greenberg poked fun at Trump's response when reporters asked him Monday if the book he was holding in front of the church was "your Bible."
"It's a Bible," Trump responded.
"Trump's answer to national pain and despair," Greenberg's sign read. "'It's a Bible.'"
Trump and other White House officials were caught off guard Wednesday by Esper's announcement that he opposes using the U.S. military to quiet domestic unrest, a break with Trump so severe that it raised speculation about Esper's longevity at the Pentagon. Trump had threatened to invoke the 1807 Insurrection Act to send troops into states.
Esper said he opposed that idea based on the situation.
Hours later, Esper's predecessor penned an op-ed blasting Trump as "the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people." The criticism was particularly noteworthy because Mattis – once hailed by Trump as one of "my generals" – has rarely taken aim at the White House since leaving the administration.
"Never did I dream that troops taking that same oath would be ordered under any circumstance to violate the constitutional rights of their fellow citizens – much less to provide a bizarre photo op for the elected commander-in-chief, with military leadership standing alongside," Mattis wrote in The Atlantic.
In part because the coronavirus has forced a suspension of rallies and other campaign events, the hits come at a perilous moment for Trump's reelection. Polls show Trump struggling against Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden in some battleground states. A Reuters/Ipsos poll this week indicated that a majority of Americans sympathize with Floyd protesters over Trump’s rhetoric.
Polls: Americans disapprove of Trump response to Floyd death and protests, polls find
More bad news looms Friday when the government's May employment report is likely to show the jobless rate surging to nearly 20% as the economy hemorrhaged jobs during the pandemic.
Aides said they remain confident Trump will ultimately prevail, that his law-and-order messaging on the protesters will resonate with swing voters, that the pandemic is receding and that the economy is poised to snap back.
Get tough? Trump returns to 2016 theme as violence spreads after Floyd death
Trump and his team sought to capture the initiative by noting Iran's decision Thursday to release an American Navy veteran, Michael White, who had been imprisoned for nearly two years. The move was the latest signal that tensions with Iran, which flared this year, appeared to be subsiding as both countries have focused on the virus.
"What a great day for this country," Gidley said. "He's gotten more detainees, more hostages back then just about any other president, and he's going to keep at it."
Trump has remained mostly out of view since Tuesday, when he posed for photographs at a Catholic shrine in Washington. But the drumbeat of bad news has continued. Trump, who has maintained a tight grip on his party, has seen a growing number of Republicans break ranks with him over his response to Floyd's death.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said Thursday she agreed with the public condemnation of Trump by Mattis and said she was struggling over whether she would vote for the president in November.
She called Mattis' comments "true and honest and necessary and overdue," adding that his words led her to believe that "perhaps we are getting to a point where we can be more honest with the concerns that we might hold internally and have the courage of our own convictions to speak up."
As they have during past challenging news cycles, White House aides tried to pivot the message toward favorite talking points. The president is likely to sign an executive order Thursday in the Oval Office focused on expediting permitting, the latest in a long line of White House events intended to speed infrastructure investment. Since taking office, Trump has signed at least five orders focused on infrastructure and permitting.
Even the efforts to get ahead of the news have underscored Trump's challenge: A planned visit to Maine on Friday to tour a business that manufacturers medical swabs has drawn bipartisan resistance. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, who is in a tight race for reelection, said she will not appear with Trump. Maine Gov. Janet Mills, a Democrat, said she's concerned the president's visit to the state could create unrest.


usatoday--2020-06-04--DOJ inspector general investigating death of inmate who died after he was pepper sprayed

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department 's inspector general is investigating the death of a federal inmate who died after he was pepper sprayed by prison guards .
Jamel Floyd , an inmate at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn , New York , died Wednesday morning after a scuffle with prison guards .
Officials said officers pepper sprayed Floyd after he became disruptive and tried to break his cell door window with a metal object .
Floyd lost consciousness and was later pronounced dead at a hospital , officials said .
It was not immediately clear if the pepper spray @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may have caused his death .
Officials said he did not die of COVID-19 .
Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz announced Thursday that his office is investigating the circumstances surrounding Floyd 's death .
He said no other information will be released until the investigation is complete .
Officials also did not say why Floyd was being disruptive , or whether he had health problems .
His mother , Donna Mays , told the Daily News that her son was suffering from diabetes and asthma – underlying health conditions she said prison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died because of the mace , '' Mays told the paper .
`` You do not mace an asthmatic . ''
In 2016 , President Barack Obama signed into law a bill that permanently armed federal correctional officers with pepper spray .
The law was introduced after a correctional officer in Pennsylvania was killed by an inmate in 2013 .
Coronavirus in prisons : Bureau of Prisons to start moving 6,800 new federal inmates to its facilities Floyd , 35 , had been at the facility in Brooklyn since October 2019 .
New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Sing Sing Correctional Facility , where he was serving time for burglary convictions .
He would 've been eligible for parole in October .
Floyd died days after the federal Bureau of Prisons placed all of its facilities under a national lockdown amid civil unrest in cities across the country over the death of George Floyd .
Officials said there 's no indication the two men were related .
The death of George Floyd , who died after a white Minneapolis police officer pinned him to the ground with his knee , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black community .
The lockdown , which officials said was a precautionary measure and was n't prompted by inmates ' actions , is the agency 's most severe restrictions at its prisons in 25 years .

DOJ inspector general investigating death of inmate who died after he was pepper sprayed
Show Caption Hide Caption William Barr speeds release of vulnerable inmates as coronavirus surges Attorney General William Barr has ordered the release of vulnerable inmates from three federal prisons. Buzz60
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department's inspector general is investigating the death of a federal inmate who died after he was pepper sprayed by prison guards.
Jamel Floyd, an inmate at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, died Wednesday morning after a scuffle with prison guards. Officials said officers pepper sprayed Floyd after he became disruptive and tried to break his cell door window with a metal object.
Floyd lost consciousness and was later pronounced dead at a hospital, officials said. It was not immediately clear if the pepper spray caused Floyd to lose consciousness or what may have caused his death. Officials said he did not die of COVID-19.
National lockdown: Federal prisons under lockdown amid George Floyd protests
Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz announced Thursday that his office is investigating the circumstances surrounding Floyd's death. He said no other information will be released until the investigation is complete.
Officials also did not say why Floyd was being disruptive, or whether he had health problems.
His mother, Donna Mays, told the Daily News that her son was suffering from diabetes and asthma – underlying health conditions she said prison guards were aware of.
“He died because of the mace," Mays told the paper. "You do not mace an asthmatic."
In 2016, President Barack Obama signed into law a bill that permanently armed federal correctional officers with pepper spray. The law was introduced after a correctional officer in Pennsylvania was killed by an inmate in 2013.
Coronavirus in prisons: Bureau of Prisons to start moving 6,800 new federal inmates to its facilities
Floyd, 35, had been at the facility in Brooklyn since October 2019. New York prison records show he was transferred from Sing Sing Correctional Facility, where he was serving time for burglary convictions. He would've been eligible for parole in October.
Floyd died days after the federal Bureau of Prisons placed all of its facilities under a national lockdown amid civil unrest in cities across the country over the death of George Floyd. Officials said there's no indication the two men were related.
The death of George Floyd, who died after a white Minneapolis police officer pinned him to the ground with his knee, reignited racial tensions between police and the black community.
The lockdown, which officials said was a precautionary measure and wasn't prompted by inmates' actions, is the agency's most severe restrictions at its prisons in 25 years.
Contributing: Kevin Johnson


usatoday--2020-06-04--AG Barr defends clearing protest near White House, disputes claims demonstration was peaceful

Attorney General William Barr on Thursday was unapologetic for ordering law enforcement to to clear protesters from a street near the White House Monday , asserting that some in the demonstration were throwing `` projectiles '' and had defied at least three orders to move to accommodate a larger security perimeter .
In his first public comments on the aggressive federal action that continues to fan a firestorm of criticism , the attorney general also defended President Donald Trump 's controversial visit to a nearby church later that evening after the street-clearing operation .
`` It was not a political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visit where the president was photographed with a bible .
`` It was entirely appropriate for him to do . ''
Barr claimed that his decision to expand the security perimeter around Lafayette Square was made early Monday , well before Trump 's decision to visit St. John 's Church , and was not coordinated .
The attorney general also disputed that the demonstration near Lafayette Square Monday was peaceful , claiming he observed the projectiles that were available to the protesters .
`` I saw the projectiles ... when I went to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We could not continue to protect '' federal property and personnel .
The federal action at the park and Trump 's visit to the church have been excoriated by religious leaders and lawmakers who asserted that authorities had used the power of the federal government – including National Guard troops – to enable a mere photo opportunity for the president .
Barr , at a Justice Department briefing , was joined by FBI Director Christopher Wray and other federal law enforcement officials who claimed organized groups were at least partly to blame @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some demonstrations that have followed the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis .
Where are they from ?
: Officials blame 'out-of-state ' agitators but those at the heart of protests are homegrown The attorney general and the FBI director said some evidence pointed to suspects associated with Antifa , a far-left ideology , and far-right hate groups .
Barr referred to the antagonists as a `` witches ' brew '' of extremist groups .
Although officials referred to intelligence involving Antifa , they offered no information about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday , federal authorities in Nevada charged three men associated with the far-right group `` Boogaloo '' movement with conspiracy to cause destruction during demonstrations in Las Vegas .
“ Violent instigators have hijacked peaceful protests and demonstrations across the country , including Nevada , exploiting the real and legitimate outrage over Mr. Floyd ’ s death for their own radical agendas , ” Nevada U.S. Attorney Nicholas Trutanich said .
The movement is named for a term used by extremists to signal what they believe is a coming civil war and collapse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focused on keeping violence and destruction from interfering with free public expression and threatening lives , ” Trutanich said Wednesday At the Justice Department Thursday , Wray said the violence and destruction of property `` has to stop . ''
`` In recent days , the violence , threat to life , and destruction of property that we ’ ve seen in some parts of the country jeopardizes the rights and safety of all citizens , including peaceful demonstrators , '' Wray said .
`` We ’ re seeing people who are exploiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agendas ...
These individuals have set out to sow discord and upheaval , rather than join in the righteous pursuit of equality and justice . ''
So far , Barr said federal authorities have made 51 arrests in connection with violent rioting since Floyd 's death .
Damage was reported at 21 federal courthouses in 15 states , while seven fires were under investigation in D.C. , including one that scorched part of St. John 's Episcopal Church , the historic house of worship just north of the White House .
'Harrowing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George Floyd video : 'Harrowing to watch and deeply disturbing '

AG Barr defends clearing protest near White House, disputes claims demonstration was peaceful
Show Caption Hide Caption Bishop slams Trump after protesters forced out near St. John's church Police used gas to clear protesters from Lafayette Park before President Donald Trump walked over and held a Bible up at St. John's Episcopal Church. USA TODAY
Attorney General William Barr on Thursday was unapologetic for ordering law enforcement to to clear protesters from a street near the White House Monday, asserting that some in the demonstration were throwing "projectiles" and had defied at least three orders to move to accommodate a larger security perimeter.
In his first public comments on the aggressive federal action that continues to fan a firestorm of criticism, the attorney general also defended President Donald Trump's controversial visit to a nearby church later that evening after the street-clearing operation.
"It was not a political act," Barr said of the visit where the president was photographed with a bible. "It was entirely appropriate for him to do."
Barr claimed that his decision to expand the security perimeter around Lafayette Square was made early Monday, well before Trump's decision to visit St. John's Church, and was not coordinated.
Taking control: Attorney General Barr ordered park protesters cleared before Trump's visit to St. John's church
The attorney general also disputed that the demonstration near Lafayette Square Monday was peaceful, claiming he observed the projectiles that were available to the protesters.
"I saw the projectiles...when I went to Lafayette Park," Barr said. "We could not continue to protect" federal property and personnel.
The federal action at the park and Trump's visit to the church have been excoriated by religious leaders and lawmakers who asserted that authorities had used the power of the federal government – including National Guard troops – to enable a mere photo opportunity for the president.
Civil rights advocates also filed a lawsuit Thursday, accusing Trump, Barr and other federal officials of violating protesters' constitutional rights as a result of the Monday night action.
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Black Lives Matters D.C., and individual protesters.
“What happened to our members Monday evening, here in the nation’s capital, was an affront to all our rights,” said April Goggans, the lead organizer of Black Lives Matter D.C., the lead plaintiff in the case. "We won’t be silenced by tear gas and rubber bullets. Now is our time to be heard.”
Barr, at Thursday's Justice Department briefing, was joined by FBI Director Christopher Wray and other federal law enforcement officials who claimed organized groups were at least partly to blame for instigating violence and sowing chaos in some demonstrations that have followed the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis.
Where are they from?: Officials blame 'out-of-state' agitators but those at the heart of protests are homegrown
The attorney general and the FBI director said some evidence pointed to suspects associated with Antifa, a far-left ideology, and far-right hate groups.
Barr referred to the antagonists as a "witches' brew" of extremist groups. Although officials referred to intelligence involving Antifa, they offered no information about suspects linked to that ideology.
On Wednesday, federal authorities in Nevada charged three men associated with the far-right group "Boogaloo" movement with conspiracy to cause destruction during demonstrations in Las Vegas.
“Violent instigators have hijacked peaceful protests and demonstrations across the country, including Nevada, exploiting the real and legitimate outrage over Mr. Floyd’s death for their own radical agendas,” Nevada U.S. Attorney Nicholas Trutanich said.
The movement is named for a term used by extremists to signal what they believe is a coming civil war and collapse of society.
“Law enforcement is focused on keeping violence and destruction from interfering with free public expression and threatening lives,” Trutanich said Wednesday
At the Justice Department Thursday, Wray said the violence and destruction of property "has to stop."
"In recent days, the violence, threat to life, and destruction of property that we’ve seen in some parts of the country jeopardizes the rights and safety of all citizens, including peaceful demonstrators," Wray said. "We’re seeing people who are exploiting this situation to pursue violent, extremist agendas... These individuals have set out to sow discord and upheaval, rather than join in the righteous pursuit of equality and justice."
So far, Barr said federal authorities have made 51 arrests in connection with violent rioting since Floyd's death.
Damage was reported at 21 federal courthouses in 15 states, while seven fires were under investigation in D.C., including one that scorched part of St. John's Episcopal Church, the historic house of worship just north of the White House.
'Harrowing to watch': Attorney General Barr on George Floyd video: 'Harrowing to watch and deeply disturbing'


usatoday--2020-06-04--'You sound completely barking mad': Piers Morgan, Giuliani trade insults over Trump's George Floyd t

British TV news host Piers Morgan and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani engaged in a bitter shouting match Thursday over a controversial tweet from President Donald Trump .
The blow up began after Morgan 's `` Good Morning Britain '' co-host Susanna Reid asked Giuliani about Trump 's controversial May 29 tweet that used the phrase `` when the looting starts , the shooting starts . ''
The phrase is associated with a former Miami sheriff who brutally cracked down on anti-segregation protesters in the 1960s .
Trump was condemned for using it about the violence that broke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George Floyd – a black man who suffocated when a Minneapolis police officer pinned him down with a knee to his neck .
`` Many people think that was a totally inappropriate way to calm down protest , '' Reid said , calling it `` almost a threat of violence '' and pointing out that Twitter flagged for violating its rules against glorifying violence .
`` You deliberately misinterpret President Trump because the left-wing media has some kind of a hatred of him that 's actually pathological , '' Giuliani said .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Morgan repeatedly attempted to ask Giuliani a question as the president 's personal attorney continued to defend him .
He said Trump did not know the origin of the phrase and said the blame for the riots that took place in Minneapolis lies with the city 's Democratic mayor .
He also said the phrase was an `` accurate statement '' because police officers had been shot during the unrest .
Trump has similarly defended his use of the expression on Twitter saying it was `` spoken as a fact , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up here at one o'clock in the morning to answer your questions , so I would think you 'd give me the courtesy of answering , '' Giuliani said as Morgan tried to interject .
He continued to denounce the news media and defend Trump , who he said had handled the events `` really superbly . ''
`` Can you hear me , Rudy ?
It 's Piers Morgan , '' he said .
`` I can .
I can hear you interrupting me , sure , '' Giuliani replied .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job , when this kind of thing happens , is to keep temperatures down , not to put fuel on the fire , '' Morgan said .
Morgan rejected Giuliani 's contention the controversy was manufactured and that `` you people have become political propagandists rather than journalists . ''
`` Who are 'you people ' ? ''
demanded Morgan , who was a contestant on Trump 's show `` Celebrity Apprentice '' and has often defended the president .
`` I 've known Donald Trump 13 years .
I 've been very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure you 're aware . ''
'Aliens have seized his brain ' : Hillary Clinton jokes about the change she has seen in Giuliani The two men continued to talk over each other for several minutes .
`` What a bunch of garbage you 're spewing , '' Giuliani said in a raised voice .
`` It happens to be factually correct , no matter who it came from .
If you start looting , people are going to start shooting .
You 're going to kill people , and they have killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because you 're a bunch of phonies ! ''
Rudy Giuliani : Trump is 'honest ' because facts are 'in the eye of the beholder' '' Rudy , what happened to you ? ''
Morgan asked .
`` You used to be one of the most revered people in America . ''
`` You can say anything you want because I have no respect for you , '' Giuliani said .
He continued to shout over Morgan , contending that Trump 's tweet was not `` inflammatory '' but `` accurate , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over , as far as I 'm concerned . ''
`` You know what , Rudy ?
I 'm sorry , but you sound completely barking mad .
Do you know that ? ''
Morgan said .
`` You 're the one who got thrown off of television here , '' Giuliani said , referring to Morgan 's CNN , which was canceled in 2014 .
`` I know what happened to your show , Pierce .
And I remember the mistakes you made .
And I remember how you -- -- - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Giuliani said `` sucked '' or used an expletive at that point , but Morgan assumed the latter and apologized to his viewers .
`` When I used to interview you , you were an intelligent , reasonable man .
And you 've gone completely mad , '' Morgan said .
`` And you sound deranged .
You 're abusive .
And it 's really sad to see what 's happened to you . ''
Giuliani continued to insult Morgan for how his `` career imploded in the United States '' before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused him of using profanity , which Giuliani vehemently denied as the interview drew to a close .
`` Well ok now .
Anyone still want to say that Rudy Giuliani has not completely lost it ?
This is unreal , '' tweeted former Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill .
Rudy Giuliani : Democrats 'want to execute me' More : Rudy Giuliani accuses Twitter of anti-Trump conspiracy , editing his tweet to add typo

'You sound completely barking mad': Piers Morgan, Giuliani trade insults over Trump's George Floyd tweet
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump: when looting happens, 'people get shot' President Trump defended his tweet warning amid unrest in Minneapolis that said "when the looting starts, the shooting starts." The phrase echoes the language of a Miami police chief in 1967 who made clear his distaste for civil rights activists. (May 29) AP
British TV news host Piers Morgan and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani engaged in a bitter shouting match Thursday over a controversial tweet from President Donald Trump.
The blow up began after Morgan's "Good Morning Britain" co-host Susanna Reid asked Giuliani about Trump's controversial May 29 tweet that used the phrase "when the looting starts, the shooting starts."
The phrase is associated with a former Miami sheriff who brutally cracked down on anti-segregation protesters in the 1960s. Trump was condemned for using it about the violence that broke out at protests following the death of George Floyd – a black man who suffocated when a Minneapolis police officer pinned him down with a knee to his neck.
"Many people think that was a totally inappropriate way to calm down protest," Reid said, calling it "almost a threat of violence" and pointing out that Twitter flagged for violating its rules against glorifying violence.
"You deliberately misinterpret President Trump because the left-wing media has some kind of a hatred of him that's actually pathological," Giuliani said.
That response prompted Morgan to enter the fray.
'Truth isn't truth': Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani worries Mueller interview could lead to perjury charge
Morgan repeatedly attempted to ask Giuliani a question as the president's personal attorney continued to defend him. He said Trump did not know the origin of the phrase and said the blame for the riots that took place in Minneapolis lies with the city's Democratic mayor. He also said the phrase was an "accurate statement" because police officers had been shot during the unrest.
Trump has similarly defended his use of the expression on Twitter saying it was "spoken as a fact, not a statement."
Looting leads to shooting, and that’s why a man was shot and killed in Minneapolis on Wednesday night - or look at what just happened in Louisville with 7 people shot. I don’t want this to happen, and that’s what the expression put out last night means.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 29, 2020
....It was spoken as a fact, not as a statement. It’s very simple, nobody should have any problem with this other than the haters, and those looking to cause trouble on social media. Honor the memory of George Floyd! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 29, 2020
"I'm up here at one o'clock in the morning to answer your questions, so I would think you'd give me the courtesy of answering," Giuliani said as Morgan tried to interject. He continued to denounce the news media and defend Trump, who he said had handled the events "really superbly."
"Can you hear me, Rudy? It's Piers Morgan," he said.
"I can. I can hear you interrupting me, sure," Giuliani replied.
Morgan told Giuliani he was "talking complete claptrap."
"The president of the United States' job, when this kind of thing happens, is to keep temperatures down, not to put fuel on the fire," Morgan said.
Morgan rejected Giuliani's contention the controversy was manufactured and that " you people have become political propagandists rather than journalists."
"Who are 'you people'?" demanded Morgan, who was a contestant on Trump's show "Celebrity Apprentice" and has often defended the president. "I've known Donald Trump 13 years. I've been very fair-minded about him, as I'm sure you're aware."
'Aliens have seized his brain': Hillary Clinton jokes about the change she has seen in Giuliani
Well ok now. Anyone still want to say that Rudy Giuliani has not completely lost it? This is unreal. pic.twitter.com/7Ifi0UHF89 — Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) June 4, 2020
The two men continued to talk over each other for several minutes.
"What a bunch of garbage you're spewing," Giuliani said in a raised voice. "It happens to be factually correct, no matter who it came from. If you start looting, people are going to start shooting. You're going to kill people, and they have killed people and you don't cover it because you're a bunch of phonies!"
Rudy Giuliani: Trump is 'honest' because facts are 'in the eye of the beholder'
"Rudy, what happened to you?" Morgan asked. "You used to be one of the most revered people in America."
"You can say anything you want because I have no respect for you," Giuliani said. He continued to shout over Morgan, contending that Trump's tweet was not "inflammatory" but "accurate," before declaring, "This interview is over, as far as I'm concerned."
"You know what, Rudy? I'm sorry, but you sound completely barking mad. Do you know that?" Morgan said.
"No I don't!" Giuliani replied.
"You're the one who got thrown off of television here," Giuliani said, referring to Morgan's CNN, which was canceled in 2014. "I know what happened to your show, Pierce. And I remember the mistakes you made. And I remember how you ----- up."
It was unclear whether Giuliani said "sucked" or used an expletive at that point, but Morgan assumed the latter and apologized to his viewers.
"When I used to interview you, you were an intelligent, reasonable man. And you've gone completely mad," Morgan said. "And you sound deranged. You're abusive. And it's really sad to see what's happened to you."
Giuliani continued to insult Morgan for how his "career imploded in the United States" before the host called him "unhinged" and accused him of using profanity, which Giuliani vehemently denied as the interview drew to a close.
The contentious exchange quickly drew attention on social media.
"Well ok now. Anyone still want to say that Rudy Giuliani has not completely lost it? This is unreal," tweeted former Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill.
Rudy Giuliani: Democrats 'want to execute me'
More: Rudy Giuliani accuses Twitter of anti-Trump conspiracy, editing his tweet to add typo


usatoday--2020-06-04--Barack Obama talks reimagining policing in the wake of police violence

Barack Obama talks reimagining policing in the wake of police violence Former President Barack Obama talked with local and national @ @ @ @ @ movement to discuss the tragic events of recent weeks .

Barack Obama talks reimagining policing in the wake of police violence
Former President Barack Obama talked with local and national leaders in the police reform movement to discuss the tragic events of recent weeks.
THE OBAMA FOUNDATION, USA TODAY Handout


usatoday--2020-06-04--Trump won't accept Republican nomination in Charlotte, RNC announces

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump will not accept the Republican nomination for president in Charlotte , the Republican National Committee said Wednesday , saying North Carolina officials could not guarantee full use of their facilities in late August over concerns about the coronavirus .
More : Trump wants to know 'within a week ' if North Carolina will host Republican convention “ Due to the directive from the governor that our convention can not go on as planned as required by our rules , the celebration of the president ’ s acceptance of the Republican nomination will be held in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a statement .
`` Should the governor allow more than 10 people in a room , we still hope to conduct the official business of the convention in Charlotte.
” North Carolina Gov .
Roy Cooper has said the state will maintain the ban on large gatherings until it is safe , and that he could not guarantee anyone what the situation might look like in late August .
Communication Director for the RNC , Michael Ahrens , released a statement that confirmed official GOP business would be in Charlotte , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elsewhere .
`` The RNC ’ s Executive Committee has voted unanimously to allow the official business of the national convention to continue in Charlotte , ” he said .
`` Many other cities are eager to host the president ’ s acceptance of the nomination , and we are currently in talks with several of them to host that celebration . ''
Governors in Florida , Georgia , Tennessee , and other states lobbied to host the Republican National Convention in the wake of Trump 's complaints over the restrictions .
RNC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ site Thursday .
In a Tuesday letter to Republican officials , Cooper said a full meeting in Charlotte 's 19,000-seat arena is highly unlikely , and `` neither public health officials nor I will risk the health and safety of North Carolinians by providing the guarantee you seek . ''
The governor said he was still willing to speak with Republican officials about a scaled- -back convention , but the Republicans decided to look elsewhere .
Party leaders scouted out possible alternative sites for their convention .
They looked at facilities in Nashville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Orlando , Jacksonville , and the state of Georgia .
The RNC had penned a letter to Cooper last week , outlining safety procedures they wished to enact to host the convention in Charlotte .
There was no mention of wearing face masks or social distancing in the letter , which are both currently the state 's guidelines .
Trump himself is one of the most prolific users of Twitter , building up a following of more than 80 million and using the site as a campaign vehicle in both 2016 and 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of letters between Cooper and the Republican National Committee over how to make the Charlotte plan work .
Late last month , Cooper had said he was working with Republican officials and hoped to find a `` reasonable accommodation . ''
But he added that `` we ’ re not going to sacrifice the health and safety of North Carolinians , and that 's the bottom line . ''

David Jackson and Savannah Behrmann, USA TODAY

Trump won't accept Republican nomination in Charlotte, RNC announces
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump's convention demand comes amid NC virus surge President Donald Trump’s demand for a full-capacity Republican convention in August is putting pressure on North Carolina health officials and local Republicans, as coronavirus cases surge in the host county and statewide. (May 26) AP
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump will not accept the Republican nomination for president in Charlotte, the Republican National Committee said Wednesday, saying North Carolina officials could not guarantee full use of their facilities in late August over concerns about the coronavirus.
More: Trump wants to know 'within a week' if North Carolina will host Republican convention
“Due to the directive from the governor that our convention cannot go on as planned as required by our rules, the celebration of the president’s acceptance of the Republican nomination will be held in another city," the RNC said in a statement. "Should the governor allow more than 10 people in a room, we still hope to conduct the official business of the convention in Charlotte.”
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has said the state will maintain the ban on large gatherings until it is safe, and that he could not guarantee anyone what the situation might look like in late August.
Communication Director for the RNC, Michael Ahrens, released a statement that confirmed official GOP business would be in Charlotte, but Trump's acceptance speech likely would be elsewhere.
Electoral College vs. the popular vote, explained President Trump and President George W. Bush won the electoral vote during the election, but not the popular vote. How does the electoral college work? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
"The RNC’s Executive Committee has voted unanimously to allow the official business of the national convention to continue in Charlotte,” he said. "Many other cities are eager to host the president’s acceptance of the nomination, and we are currently in talks with several of them to host that celebration."
Governors in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and other states lobbied to host the Republican National Convention in the wake of Trump's complaints over the restrictions. RNC officials were expected to tour a Nashville site Thursday.
In a Tuesday letter to Republican officials, Cooper said a full meeting in Charlotte's 19,000-seat arena is highly unlikely, and "neither public health officials nor I will risk the health and safety of North Carolinians by providing the guarantee you seek."
The governor said he was still willing to speak with Republican officials about a scaled- -back convention, but the Republicans decided to look elsewhere.
Party leaders scouted out possible alternative sites for their convention. They looked at facilities in Nashville, Las Vegas, South Florida, Orlando, Jacksonville, and the state of Georgia.
The RNC had penned a letter to Cooper last week, outlining safety procedures they wished to enact to host the convention in Charlotte. There was no mention of wearing face masks or social distancing in the letter, which are both currently the state's guidelines.
2020 Republican convention: RNC sends Gov. Roy Cooper 'safety protocols' for Charlotte event
Trump himself is one of the most prolific users of Twitter, building up a following of more than 80 million and using the site as a campaign vehicle in both 2016 and 2020.
Trump's declaration ended a series of letters between Cooper and the Republican National Committee over how to make the Charlotte plan work.
Late last month, Cooper had said he was working with Republican officials and hoped to find a "reasonable accommodation." But he added that "we’re not going to sacrifice the health and safety of North Carolinians, and that's the bottom line."


usatoday--2020-06-05--AG Barr defends clearing protest near White House, disputes claims demonstration was peaceful

Attorney General William Barr on Thursday was unapologetic for ordering law enforcement to to clear protesters from a street near the White House Monday , asserting that some in the demonstration were throwing `` projectiles '' and had defied at least three orders to move to accommodate a larger security perimeter .
In his first public comments on the aggressive federal action that continues to fan a firestorm of criticism , the attorney general also defended President Donald Trump 's controversial visit to a nearby church later that evening after the street-clearing operation .
`` It was not a political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visit where the president was photographed with a bible .
`` It was entirely appropriate for him to do . ''
Barr claimed that his decision to expand the security perimeter around Lafayette Square was made early Monday , well before Trump 's decision to visit St. John 's Church , and was not coordinated .
The attorney general also disputed that the demonstration near Lafayette Square Monday was peaceful , claiming he observed the projectiles that were available to the protesters .
`` I saw the projectiles ... when I went to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We could not continue to protect '' federal property and personnel .
The federal action at the park and Trump 's visit to the church have been excoriated by religious leaders and lawmakers who asserted that authorities had used the power of the federal government – including National Guard troops – to enable a mere photo opportunity for the president .
Civil rights advocates also filed a lawsuit Thursday , accusing Trump , Barr and other federal officials of violating protesters ' constitutional rights as a result of the Monday night action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Black Lives Matters D.C. , and individual protesters .
“ What happened to our members Monday evening , here in the nation ’ s capital , was an affront to all our rights , ” said April Goggans , the lead organizer of Black Lives Matter D.C. , the lead plaintiff in the case .
`` We won ’ t be silenced by tear gas and rubber bullets .
Now is our time to be heard.
” Barr , at Thursday 's Justice Department briefing , was joined by FBI Director Christopher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who claimed organized groups were at least partly to blame for instigating violence and sowing chaos in some demonstrations that have followed the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis .
Where are they from ?
: Officials blame 'out-of-state ' agitators but those at the heart of protests are homegrown The attorney general and the FBI director said some evidence pointed to suspects associated with Antifa , a far-left ideology , and far-right hate groups .
Barr referred to the antagonists as a `` witches ' brew '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to intelligence involving Antifa , they offered no information about suspects linked to that ideology .
On Wednesday , federal authorities in Nevada charged three men associated with the far-right group `` Boogaloo '' movement with conspiracy to cause destruction during demonstrations in Las Vegas .
“ Violent instigators have hijacked peaceful protests and demonstrations across the country , including Nevada , exploiting the real and legitimate outrage over Mr. Floyd ’ s death for their own radical agendas , ” Nevada U.S. Attorney Nicholas Trutanich said .
The movement is named for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what they believe is a coming civil war and collapse of society .
“ Law enforcement is focused on keeping violence and destruction from interfering with free public expression and threatening lives , ” Trutanich said Wednesday At the Justice Department Thursday , Wray said the violence and destruction of property `` has to stop . ''
`` In recent days , the violence , threat to life , and destruction of property that we ’ ve seen in some parts of the country jeopardizes the rights and safety of all citizens , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We ’ re seeing people who are exploiting this situation to pursue violent , extremist agendas ...
These individuals have set out to sow discord and upheaval , rather than join in the righteous pursuit of equality and justice . ''
So far , Barr said federal authorities have made 51 arrests in connection with violent rioting since Floyd 's death .
Damage was reported at 21 federal courthouses in 15 states , while seven fires were under investigation in D.C. , including one that scorched part of St. John 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worship just north of the White House .
'Harrowing to watch ' : Attorney General Barr on George Floyd video : 'Harrowing to watch and deeply disturbing '


usatoday--2020-06-05--Rev. Al Sharpton takes shots at President Trump during George Floyd memorial

Reverend Al Sharpton 's impassioned speech at George Floyd 's memorial took a few not-so-subtle shots at President Donald Trump @

Rev. Al Sharpton jabs President Trump during George Floyd memorial
Reverend Al Sharpton's impassioned speech at George Floyd's memorial took a few not-so-subtle shots at President Donald Trump.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-06-05--Ohio Gov. DeWine says Ohio National Guard member suspended for expressing white supremacist views

Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine said a member of the Ohio National Guard was suspended and removed from a mission in Washington , D.C. , after it was discovered he had expressed white supremacist ideology .
Ohio sent 100 guard members to D.C. to help with recent protests , DeWine said .
“ While I fully support everyone ’ s right to free speech , guardsmen and women are sworn to protect all of us , ” DeWine said , “ regardless of race , ethnic background or religion . ''
“ Anyone who displays a malice toward specific groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ohio National Guard , ” he said .
DeWine said the FBI is investigating , but once that investigation is complete it is “ highly likely ” the guardsman will be permanently removed from the guard .
Demonstrations erupted in D.C. and in cities across the nation after the death of George Floyd , an African American man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer pinned him to the ground with his knee .
More : DC Mayor Bowser demands Trump withdraw military and federal law enforcement from city amid protests over @ @

Jessie Balmert and Hannah K. Sparling, Cincinnati Enquirer

Ohio Gov. DeWine says Ohio National Guard member suspended for expressing white supremacist views
Show Caption Hide Caption Defense Secretary Esper opposes using National Guard to quiet unrest Defense Secretary Mark Esper said he opposes use of the Insurrection Act, which would allow President Trump to use active-duty military forces for law enforcement duties in containing protests. AP
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said a member of the Ohio National Guard was suspended and removed from a mission in Washington, D.C., after it was discovered he had expressed white supremacist ideology.
Ohio sent 100 guard members to D.C. to help with recent protests, DeWine said.
“While I fully support everyone’s right to free speech, guardsmen and women are sworn to protect all of us,” DeWine said, “regardless of race, ethnic background or religion."
“Anyone who displays a malice toward specific groups of Americans has no place in the Ohio National Guard,” he said.
DeWine said the FBI is investigating, but once that investigation is complete it is “highly likely” the guardsman will be permanently removed from the guard.
Demonstrations erupted in D.C. and in cities across the nation after the death of George Floyd, an African American man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer pinned him to the ground with his knee.
More: DC Mayor Bowser demands Trump withdraw military and federal law enforcement from city amid protests over George Floyd


usatoday--2020-06-05--Trump says George Floyd 'hopefully' looking down and saying 'this is a great thing that's happening'

WASHINGTON — In the middle of a news conference on improving jobs numbers Friday , President Donald Trump said George Floyd was `` hopefully looking down and feeling good . ''
`` Hopefully George is looking down right now and saying , 'this is a great thing that 's happening for our country . '
This is a great day for him .
It 's a great day for everybody .
This is a great day for everybody .
This is a great great day in terms of equality , '' Trump said from the Rose Garden .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it 's what our country is all about . ''
Floyd , a black man , died last week in Minneapolis police custody after a white officer pinned him to the ground under his knee .
His death has sparked nationwide protests about police brutality and racial discrimination .
While the event was framed as a celebration of the surprisingly positive jobs numbers , which showed a drop in the unemployment rate , it is unclear what exactly Trump was referring to .
Directly before Trump 's reference to Floyd , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the law '' but the broader context for the event was the jobs report .
Trump campaign spokesperson Tim Murtaugh said on Twitter `` the President was obviously speaking of the idea that Americans are coming together to call for equal treatment under the law . ''
Before his reference to Floyd , Trump said `` equal justice under the law must mean that every American receives equal treatment in every encounter with law enforcement , regardless of race , color , gender , creed — they have to receive fair treatment from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
We all saw what happened last week .
We ca n't let that happen . ''
During his event , Trump mentioned the economy in the context of African Americans and economic gains for racial minorities , a frequent refrain for his presidential campaign .
Trump boasted of how prior to the coronavirus pandemic , `` We had numbers — the best in history for African American , for Hispanic American and Asian American and for everybody . ''
In remarks on Friday , former Vice President Joe Biden called Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House `` despicable . ''
`` George Floyd 's last words , ' I ca n't breathe , I ca n't breathe , ' have echoed all across this nation , quite frankly around the world .
For the president to try to put any other words in the mouth of George Floyd I frankly think is despicable .
And the fact that he did so when black unemployment rose ... tells you everything you need to know about this man . ''
The country 's unemployment rate fell to 13.3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unemployment rate was not shared evenly among all racial groups .
Black and Asian American unemployment increased compared to April .
Black unemployment rose from 16.7 % to 16.8 % , and Asian American unemployment rose from 14.5 % to 15 % .
`` These improvements in the labor market reflected a limited resumption of economic activity that had been curtailed in March and April , '' the Labor Department said of the unemployment numbers .
More : Defying predictions of historic losses , economy gains 2.5M jobs and unemployment eases to 13.3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 More : 'It 's affirmation of all the work we 've been doing ' : Trump touts jobs numbers amid protests , coronavirus

Trump says George Floyd 'hopefully' looking down and saying 'this is a great thing that's happening'
Show Caption Hide Caption George Floyd remembered as 'a gentle giant' Friends and family of George Floyd express how they want him to be remembered. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — In the middle of a news conference on improving jobs numbers Friday, President Donald Trump said George Floyd was "hopefully looking down and feeling good."
"Hopefully George is looking down right now and saying, 'this is a great thing that's happening for our country.' This is a great day for him. It's a great day for everybody. This is a great day for everybody. This is a great great day in terms of equality," Trump said from the Rose Garden. "It's really what our Constitution requires, and it's what our country is all about."
Floyd, a black man, died last week in Minneapolis police custody after a white officer pinned him to the ground under his knee. His death has sparked nationwide protests about police brutality and racial discrimination.
While the event was framed as a celebration of the surprisingly positive jobs numbers, which showed a drop in the unemployment rate, it is unclear what exactly Trump was referring to. Directly before Trump's reference to Floyd, he was talking about "equal treatment under the law" but the broader context for the event was the jobs report.
Trump campaign spokesperson Tim Murtaugh said on Twitter "the President was obviously speaking of the idea that Americans are coming together to call for equal treatment under the law."
Before his reference to Floyd, Trump said "equal justice under the law must mean that every American receives equal treatment in every encounter with law enforcement, regardless of race, color, gender, creed — they have to receive fair treatment from law enforcement, they have to receive it. We all saw what happened last week. We can't let that happen."
During his event, Trump mentioned the economy in the context of African Americans and economic gains for racial minorities, a frequent refrain for his presidential campaign.
Trump boasted of how prior to the coronavirus pandemic, "We had numbers — the best in history for African American, for Hispanic American and Asian American and for everybody."
Everyone reporting that POTUS said that George Floyd would approve of the jobs numbers is aggressively wrong.
This is willful misinformation.
The President was obviously speaking of the idea that Americans are coming together to call for equal treatment under the law. https://t.co/LzLx7D3dlQ — Tim Murtaugh - Download the Trump 2020 app today! (@TimMurtaugh) June 5, 2020
In remarks on Friday, former Vice President Joe Biden called Trump's reference to Floyd's name at the White House "despicable."
"George Floyd's last words, 'I can't breathe, I can't breathe,' have echoed all across this nation, quite frankly around the world. For the president to try to put any other words in the mouth of George Floyd I frankly think is despicable. And the fact that he did so when black unemployment rose...tells you everything you need to know about this man."
The country's unemployment rate fell to 13.3%, but the drop in the unemployment rate was not shared evenly among all racial groups. Black and Asian American unemployment increased compared to April. Black unemployment rose from 16.7% to 16.8%, and Asian American unemployment rose from 14.5% to 15%.
"These improvements in the labor market reflected a limited resumption of economic activity that had been curtailed in March and April," the Labor Department said of the unemployment numbers.
More: Defying predictions of historic losses, economy gains 2.5M jobs and unemployment eases to 13.3% as businesses start to reopen amid COVID-19
More: 'It's affirmation of all the work we've been doing': Trump touts jobs numbers amid protests, coronavirus
Contributing: David Jackson and John Fritze


usatoday--2020-06-05--Joe Biden blasts Trump for 'spiking the ball' on economy while millions remain unemployed

Former Vice President Joe Biden , the presumptive Democratic nominee for president , accused President Donald Trump of `` spiking the ball '' Friday by celebrating improving jobs numbers when 20 million people are still unemployed .
“ Donald Trump still doesn ’ t get it , '' Biden said at Delaware State University , a historically black school , in Dover .
`` He ’ s out there spiking the ball completely oblivious to the tens of millions of people who are facing the greatest struggle of their lives .
These folks aren ’ t feeling any less pain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His speech came on a day of improving job and unemployment figures that beat the projections of many economists .
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 % in May , down from 14.7 % in April .
And the economy gained 2.5 million jobs , after 20.5 million were lost in April .
Trump celebrated the gains in a Rose Garden news conference Friday morning , saying the economy is making `` a big comeback '' after being decimated by the coronavirus pandemic .
Biden congratulated those who found jobs .
But he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs than when he and former President Barack Obama left office .
Hispanic unemployment is four times higher than `` when Trump botched his response to the pandemic , '' Biden said .
`` It ’ s time for him to step out of his own bunker and look at the consequences of his words and his actions , '' Biden said .
“ Let ’ s be clear .
A president who takes no responsibility for costing millions and millions of Americans their jobs , deserves no credit when a fraction return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matter ' painted in 50-foot yellow letters near White House to honor George Floyd protesters At the White House news conference , Trump said the U.S. is testing more than Germany and South Korea for coronavirus .
But Biden noted that the United States has only 4 % of the world 's population and more than one-fourth of the COVID-19 deaths at more than 108,000 .
“ The president did not act quickly when he was warned to act , '' Biden said .
`` These are some of the sternest challenges our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is patting himself on the back .
He just has no idea , in my view , what 's really going on in this country . ''
Biden noted that the country faced the pandemic at the same time as historic job losses that hit minority communities hardest .
`` For an enormous swath of our country , their dreams are still on hold , '' said Biden , who said he would release economic proposals `` in the coming weeks . ''
`` We 're still facing devastating unemployment and still facing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
'This is a rocket ship ' : Trump touts US jobs numbers amid protests , coronavirus tumult Biden 's speech comes after isolating for weeks at home amid the coronavirus pandemic .
He met Monday with church leaders in Wilmington and gave a speech Tuesday in Philadelphia about George Floyd 's death in police custody .
At one point during Trump 's news conference , the president said : `` Hopefully George is looking down right now and saying , 'This is a great thing that ’ s happening for our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day for him .
It ’ s a great day for everybody . ''
But Biden blasted Trump for the comments about a man whose final words were that he couldn ’ t breathe .
“ He was speaking of a man who was brutally killed by an act of needless violence and by a larger tide of injustice that has metastasized on this president ’ s watch as he ’ s moved to split us based on race , religion and ethnicity , ” Biden said .
“ For the president to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mouth of George Floyd I frankly think is despicable.
” Nearly 1.9 million people filed for unemployment during the week ending May 30 , which was 249,000 fewer than the week earlier , the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Thursday .
Biden said Thursday that black and Latino businesses had been shut out of recovery funds and he highlighted the need to prevent further income inequality .
After 42 million people have filed for unemployment benefits , 11 % of whites report having been laid off or furloughed , compared to 16 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Latinos , he said .
`` Trump has failed to take seriously not just the scale of this problem , but also who is most impacted , '' Biden said .
`` We must turn this moment into an opportunity to rebuild our country upon more just and equal foundations , not widen race-based wealth and income gaps . ''

Joe Biden blasts Trump for 'spiking the ball' on economy while millions remain unemployed
Show Caption Hide Caption Joe Biden meets with community leaders at Delaware church Democratic Presidential candidate Joe Biden met with community leaders at a predominantly African American church in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware on Monday. (June 1) AP
Former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, accused President Donald Trump of "spiking the ball" Friday by celebrating improving jobs numbers when 20 million people are still unemployed.
“Donald Trump still doesn’t get it," Biden said at Delaware State University, a historically black school, in Dover. "He’s out there spiking the ball completely oblivious to the tens of millions of people who are facing the greatest struggle of their lives. These folks aren’t feeling any less pain today than they were yesterday."
His speech came on a day of improving job and unemployment figures that beat the projections of many economists. The unemployment rate fell to 13.3% in May, down from 14.7% in April. And the economy gained 2.5 million jobs, after 20.5 million were lost in April.
Trump celebrated the gains in a Rose Garden news conference Friday morning, saying the economy is making "a big comeback" after being decimated by the coronavirus pandemic.
Biden congratulated those who found jobs. But he said there were still 13 million fewer jobs than when he and former President Barack Obama left office. Hispanic unemployment is four times higher than "when Trump botched his response to the pandemic," Biden said.
"It’s time for him to step out of his own bunker and look at the consequences of his words and his actions," Biden said. “Let’s be clear. A president who takes no responsibility for costing millions and millions of Americans their jobs, deserves no credit when a fraction return."
DC protests: 'Black Lives Matter' painted in 50-foot yellow letters near White House to honor George Floyd protesters
At the White House news conference, Trump said the U.S. is testing more than Germany and South Korea for coronavirus. But Biden noted that the United States has only 4% of the world's population and more than one-fourth of the COVID-19 deaths at more than 108,000.
“The president did not act quickly when he was warned to act," Biden said. "These are some of the sternest challenges our nation has ever faced and Donald Trump is patting himself on the back. He just has no idea, in my view, what's really going on in this country."
Biden noted that the country faced the pandemic at the same time as historic job losses that hit minority communities hardest.
"For an enormous swath of our country, their dreams are still on hold," said Biden, who said he would release economic proposals "in the coming weeks."
"We're still facing devastating unemployment and still facing a historic health crisis," he said.
'This is a rocket ship': Trump touts US jobs numbers amid protests, coronavirus tumult
Biden's speech comes after isolating for weeks at home amid the coronavirus pandemic. He met Monday with church leaders in Wilmington and gave a speech Tuesday in Philadelphia about George Floyd's death in police custody.
At one point during Trump's news conference, the president said: "Hopefully George is looking down right now and saying, 'This is a great thing that’s happening for our country.’ It’s a great day for him. It’s a great day for everybody." But Biden blasted Trump for the comments about a man whose final words were that he couldn’t breathe.
“He was speaking of a man who was brutally killed by an act of needless violence and by a larger tide of injustice that has metastasized on this president’s watch as he’s moved to split us based on race, religion and ethnicity,” Biden said. “For the president to try to put any other words in the mouth of George Floyd I frankly think is despicable.”
Nearly 1.9 million people filed for unemployment during the week ending May 30, which was 249,000 fewer than the week earlier, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Thursday. Biden said Thursday that black and Latino businesses had been shut out of recovery funds and he highlighted the need to prevent further income inequality. After 42 million people have filed for unemployment benefits, 11% of whites report having been laid off or furloughed, compared to 16% for blacks and 20% for Latinos, he said.
"Trump has failed to take seriously not just the scale of this problem, but also who is most impacted," Biden said. "We must turn this moment into an opportunity to rebuild our country upon more just and equal foundations, not widen race-based wealth and income gaps."


usatoday--2020-06-05--'This is a rocket ship': Trump touts US jobs numbers amid protests, coronavirus tumult

WASHINGTON – Besieged by protesters and the coronavirus pandemic , President Donald Trump embraced a celebratory tone Friday as he cast better-than-expected jobs numbers as a sign the U.S. economy is poised for major comeback .
Trump announced the Rose Garden event minutes after the Labor Department reported the economy unexpectedly gained 2.5 million jobs in May following record losses because of the virus .
After weeks of tough headlines , the president embraced the jobs news and touted his efforts to pressure states to reopen their economies .
`` This is a rocket ship , '' said Trump , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was speaking at one of his buoyant campaign rallies .
`` We made a big step in our comeback . ''
Trump also signed bipartisan legislation Friday to loosen regulations for the federal Paycheck Protection Program , which provides loans and grants to small businesses to retain their employees .
Among other things , the law will allow businesses to spread out the proceeds from loans to 24 weeks rather than an eight-week period initially approved .
Trump , who has pressured governors to ease lock downs , is putting his stewardship of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reelection message .
Trump 's event Friday came as polls show his support has slipped in some battleground states .
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is also scheduled to speak on the economy Friday .
`` With nearly 20M people out of work and unemployment among African Americans increasing , now 's not the time to be complacent or take a victory lap , '' Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. , tweeted .
The event marked a big shift in messaging and tone for the White House , which has felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largely remained out of public view since a controversial decision to clear a park near the White House of protesters peacefully demonstrating over the death of George Floyd .
Trump strolled across the park on Monday and held a Bible for news cameras at a historic church .
Since then , Trump has confronted open splits with Defense Secretary Mark Esper over the use of active-duty troops to address the protests in cities across the country and a blistering denunciation by his former Defense secretary , James Mattis .
Trump touched on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House for days calling attention to Floyd , the African American man who died in police custody last week in Minneapolis .
Trump castigated governors he said have not called in the National Guard to quell riots and looting that has taken place in some cities .
`` Don ’ t be proud .
Get the job done , '' Trump said , speaking directly to the nation 's governors and echoing remarks he made in a phone call last week .
`` You have to dominate the streets . ''
Trump referred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he was `` looking down right now '' and thinking `` this is a great thing that 's happening for our country . ''
Joe Biden : Biden says 10-15 % of Americans are 'not very good people , ' draws comparisons to Clinton 'deplorables ' remark The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 % from April 's 14.7 % , which was the highest since the Great Depression , according to the new Labor Department report .
`` The biggest payroll surprise in history , by a gigantic margin , likely is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said Ian Shepherdson , chief economist of Pantheon Macroeconomics .

'This is a rocket ship': Trump touts US jobs numbers amid protests, coronavirus tumult
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump shushes reporters' questions as he praises job numbers President Donald Trump praised job numbers and predicted the economy is beginning to rebound after the coronavirus. Associated Press, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Besieged by protesters and the coronavirus pandemic, President Donald Trump embraced a celebratory tone Friday as he cast better-than-expected jobs numbers as a sign the U.S. economy is poised for major comeback.
Trump announced the Rose Garden event minutes after the Labor Department reported the economy unexpectedly gained 2.5 million jobs in May following record losses because of the virus. After weeks of tough headlines, the president embraced the jobs news and touted his efforts to pressure states to reopen their economies.
"This is a rocket ship," said Trump, who at times sounded as if he was speaking at one of his buoyant campaign rallies. "We made a big step in our comeback."
Jobs: Defying predictions, economy gains 2.5M jobs and unemployment eases
Trump also signed bipartisan legislation Friday to loosen regulations for the federal Paycheck Protection Program, which provides loans and grants to small businesses to retain their employees. Among other things, the law will allow businesses to spread out the proceeds from loans to 24 weeks rather than an eight-week period initially approved.
Trump, who has pressured governors to ease lock downs, is putting his stewardship of the economy at the center of his reelection message. Trump's event Friday came as polls show his support has slipped in some battleground states. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is also scheduled to speak on the economy Friday.
Democrats described Trump's celebratory event as premature.
"With nearly 20M people out of work and unemployment among African Americans increasing, now's not the time to be complacent or take a victory lap," Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., tweeted.
The event marked a big shift in messaging and tone for the White House, which has felt under siege for days. Trump has largely remained out of public view since a controversial decision to clear a park near the White House of protesters peacefully demonstrating over the death of George Floyd. Trump strolled across the park on Monday and held a Bible for news cameras at a historic church.
DC renames street: DC renames street near White House 'Black Lives Matter Plaza' to honor George Floyd protests
Since then, Trump has confronted open splits with Defense Secretary Mark Esper over the use of active-duty troops to address the protests in cities across the country and a blistering denunciation by his former Defense secretary, James Mattis.
Trump touched on the protesters that have gathered outside the White House for days calling attention to Floyd, the African American man who died in police custody last week in Minneapolis. Trump castigated governors he said have not called in the National Guard to quell riots and looting that has taken place in some cities.
"Don’t be proud. Get the job done," Trump said, speaking directly to the nation's governors and echoing remarks he made in a phone call last week. "You have to dominate the streets."
Trump referred to Floyd, saying that "hopefully" he was "looking down right now" and thinking "this is a great thing that's happening for our country."
Joe Biden: Biden says 10-15% of Americans are 'not very good people,' draws comparisons to Clinton 'deplorables' remark
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3% from April's 14.7%, which was the highest since the Great Depression, according to the new Labor Department report.
"The biggest payroll surprise in history, by a gigantic margin, likely is due to a wave of hidden rehiring," said Ian Shepherdson, chief economist of Pantheon Macroeconomics.
Contributing: Paul Davidson
T


usatoday--2020-06-07--George Floyd's brother will testify before Congress as lawmakers draft legislation to curb police vi

WASHINGTON – George Floyd 's brother will testify before a key House committee next week , as lawmakers scramble to respond to nationwide protests demanding an end to police violence against African Americans .
Philonise Floyd will talk about his brother 's death during a hearing Wednesday on police brutality and racial profiling , the House Judiciary Committee spokesperson Shadawn Reddick-Smith told USA TODAY .
George Floyd died gasping for breath while a white Minneapolis policeman knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes .
A video of Floyd 's death , taken by a bystander , has ignited days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amid the national outrage , the officer , Derek Chauvin , was charged with second-degree murder and three other officers at the scene have been charged with aiding and abetting .
On Saturday , Floyd 's family , friends and community members packed a church near Fayetteville , North Carolina , where Floyd was born .
`` A movement is happening today , and George Floyd sparked that fuel , '' Rev .
Christoppher D. Stackhouse said in a eulogy at the service .
`` He sparked the fuel that is going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans ' perceptions of police drop significantly in one week as protests continue , survey finds Philonise Floyd ’ s appearance before the House Judiciary Committee , first reported by ABC News , comes as congressional Democrats are set to unveil legislation Monday aimed at addressing some of the concerns raised by protesters .
`` What happened with George Floyd is so heartbreaking , '' House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , told reporters Thursday .
She said it marked `` an inflection point '' that could herald meaningful change .
Pelosi said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justice system , racial profiling and excessive use of force , among other problems .
`` We will not relax until that is secured , that justice is secured , '' she said .
It 's unclear if Floyd will testify in person or virtually because of social distancing recommendations amid the coronavirus pandemic .

Nicholas Wu and Deirdre Shesgreen, USA TODAY

George Floyd's brother will testify before Congress as lawmakers draft legislation to curb police violence
Show Caption Hide Caption Floyd's brother calls for peaceful protests Terrence Floyd calls for peaceful non-violent protests as hundreds joined in a George Floyd memorial in Brooklyn. (June 4) AP
WASHINGTON – George Floyd's brother will testify before a key House committee next week, as lawmakers scramble to respond to nationwide protests demanding an end to police violence against African Americans.
Philonise Floyd will talk about his brother's death during a hearing Wednesday on police brutality and racial profiling, the House Judiciary Committee spokesperson Shadawn Reddick-Smith told USA TODAY.
George Floyd died gasping for breath while a white Minneapolis policeman knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. A video of Floyd's death, taken by a bystander, has ignited days of protests across the United States. Amid the national outrage, the officer, Derek Chauvin, was charged with second-degree murder and three other officers at the scene have been charged with aiding and abetting.
On Saturday, Floyd's family, friends and community members packed a church near Fayetteville, North Carolina, where Floyd was born.
"A movement is happening today, and George Floyd sparked that fuel," Rev. Christoppher D. Stackhouse said in a eulogy at the service. "He sparked the fuel that is going to change this nation."
More: Americans' perceptions of police drop significantly in one week as protests continue, survey finds
Philonise Floyd’s appearance before the House Judiciary Committee, first reported by ABC News, comes as congressional Democrats are set to unveil legislation Monday aimed at addressing some of the concerns raised by protesters.
"What happened with George Floyd is so heartbreaking," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., told reporters Thursday. She said it marked "an inflection point" that could herald meaningful change.
Pelosi said the legislation would address inequalities in the justice system, racial profiling and excessive use of force, among other problems.
"We will not relax until that is secured, that justice is secured," she said.
It's unclear if Floyd will testify in person or virtually because of social distancing recommendations amid the coronavirus pandemic.