WH press sec says Trump ‘absolutely supports peaceful protest,’ does not support ‘assaulting law enforcement’

A reporter asked Leavitt during a White House press briefing, "Can you clarify what kind of protest President Trump does support of find acceptable?"

Leavitt responded, "The president absolutely supports peaceful protest. He supports the First Amendment. He supports the right of Americans to make their voices heard."

She then emphasized that Trump has a zero tolerance policy for violent protesters, saying, "He does not support assaulting law enforcement officers who are simply trying to do their job. It's very clear to the president what he supports and what he does not. Unfortunately, for Democrats, that line has not been made clear, and they've allowed this unrest and violence to continue and the president has had to step in."

On June 7, President Trump ordered approximately 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 US Marines to LA to restore order after riots erupted on June 6 following large-scale ICE operations throughout Los Angeles County. The move was celebrated by Republicans, but strongly condemned by Democratic lawmakers and voters, who have claimed it was an excessive show of force.

Demonstrations, which were initially focused on opposing the ICE raids, escalated into larger anti-federal government protests, with episodes including extreme violence, vandalism, and major clashes with law enforcement. The situation worsened over several days, with documented reports of arson, rioters throwing Molotov cocktails, torching vehicles, and attacking federal and local law enforcement officers and property.

Despite the ongoing violent riots, the Trump administration has made it clear that the intimidation tactics from rioters would not deter them from carrying out mass deportation operations.