In response to the widespread protests going on around the country in light of George Floyd‘s murder, President Donald Trump addressed the nation on Monday. The president, who claimed that he was an “ally of peaceful protesters,” announced that he was mobilizing all available federal resources to stop the rioting and looting that has been going on in many parts of the country. He went on to share that if the looting and vandalizing do not stop, then he would utilize the United States military to take control. Naturally, given the severity of Trump’s remarks, individuals on Twitter had plenty to say about his address.
Ever since police officer Derek Chauvin murdered Floyd in Minneapolis on June 25, there have been protests across the country. Not only have those protests been in Floyd’s honor, but they have also highlighted many issues in this nation from racial injustice to police brutality. But, on Monday evening, Trump made no mention of those aims. Instead, he focused on certain individuals who have been looting and vandalizing businesses amidst these peaceful protests. He specifically mentioned that he would take action if governors and local officials are not able to get these demonstrations under control. At one point, he said, “If a city or state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them.”
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Given the severity of the president’s threat, many were fired up over his incendiary remarks. On Twitter, there are plenty of users who have expressed their thoughts on what Trump had to say recently.
Unacceptable
No military action within our borders, this rhetoric of using our military against our own people is unacceptable
โ Strange Fruit (@MacGregorRB) June 1, 2020
Stunned
I thought i’d never hear it in my lifetime. An American president openly calling for the American military to be used on the citizenry.
โ Adam Fitzgerald (@_AdamFitzgerald) June 2, 2020
Address The Actual Issue
How about resolving the issue at hand and maybe these people will stop. pic.twitter.com/YQGyZbej4U
โ D. Odell Benson (@D_O_Benson) June 2, 2020
Frightened
I’m am frightened for our country. Donald Trump is going to destroy us.
โ Beagle Daddy (@ValleyGuy12) June 1, 2020
If This Continues…
If this keeps up, civil war is around the corner. And then nobody “wins”
โ Gary Nelson[B42][TDG] (@itzsportsy) June 1, 2020
What Is Happening?
In order to stop protestors against police brutality, trump is announcing he will use *checks notes* police brutality.
โ mortalia (@mortalia) June 1, 2020
Unbelievable
Unbelievable, not one word of encouragement, just ongoing incitement of violence.
โ Jules (@soulful_musings) June 1, 2020