‘Most of you are weak’: Trump’s one demand as he lashes out over protests
US President Donald Trump has derided many governors as “weak” and demanded tougher crackdowns on burning and stealing among some demonstrations in the aftermath of violent protests in dozens of US cities.
Trump spoke to governors on a video teleconference that also included law enforcement and national security officials, telling the state leaders they “have to get much tougher.”
“Most of you are weak,” Trump said.
“You’ve got to arrest people, you have to track people, you have to put them in jail for 10 years and you’ll never see this stuff again.
“We’re doing it in Washington, D.C. We’re going to do something that people haven’t seen before.”
Trump told state governors in a private call they “have to dominate”.
"If you don't dominate, you're wasting your time – they're going to run over you, you're going to look like a bunch of jerks,” he said.
Capital on fire: Protesters descend on White House as Trump goes underground
Moving moment police officer comforts devastated young protester
Truck driver who sped into protesters hauled from his rig and beaten
'Loss for words': Football star killed in George Floyd riots
Trump said the federal government was going to clamp down "very strong" on the violence.
The National Guard deployed in 23 states and Washington D.C, however, the president told governors they were making themselves “look like fools” for not calling up more of the National Guard.
Dozens of cities across the United States remain under curfews at a level not seen since riots following the 1968 assassination of civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. The National Guard deployed in 23 states and Washington, D.C.
Curfews were extended in Washington, D.C, where authorities fought to put out fires near the White House overnight; in Minnesota, which has experienced some of the worst violence, and in Los Angeles.
One person was killed in Louisville, Kentucky, overnight where police and National Guard troops returned fire while trying to disperse a crowd. Police in Chicago, the country’s third-largest city, fielded more than 10,000 calls for looting, Mayor Lori Lightfoot told a briefing.
with AP and Reuters
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.