Trump Calls Governors 'Weak,' Calls For Tougher Crackdowns Against Protesters
WASHINGTON (AP/WCCO) -- President Donald Trump is telling the nation's governors that most of them are "weak" and calling for tougher crackdowns on violence as protests rage across the nation.
Trump is speaking to governors on a video teleconference with law enforcement and national security officials.
He's telling them they "have to get much tougher" amid nationwide protests and criticizing their responses, saying: "Most of you are weak."
And he's chastising them for failing to use the National Guard more aggressively, saying they're making themselves "look like fools."
Attorney General Bill Barr is also on the call and telling governors they have to "dominate" the streets and control, not react to crowds. He's calling on them to "go after troublemakers" and use "adequate force."
The protests began in Minneapolis last week following the death of George Floyd in police custody. Derek Chauvin, the ex-Minneapolis police officer seen in cellphone video with his knee on Floyd's neck, has been charged with manslaughter and third-degree murder.
- More Than 480 Arrested Over The Weekend Amid Minnesota's Aggressive Response To Protests, Unrest
- Tanker Truck Drives Into Minneapolis George Floyd Protesters On I-35W Bridge; Driver In Custody
- 4 North Mpls. Businesses Destroyed By Fire Overnight; Arson Suspected
- Peaceful Protest Groups In Mpls. And St. Paul Arrested; 2nd Peaceful Mpls. Group Gathers At Site Of George Floyd's Death Post-Curfew
- Religious Community Comes Together For Much-Needed Worship After Week Of Violence
- Ex-MPD Officer Derek Chauvin Moved To Second Detention Facility In Same Day Due To COVID-19 Concerns
- Attorney General Keith Ellison To Lead Prosecution Of George Floyd's Death
- George Floyd's Family Intends To Have An Independent Autopsy Performed
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