NOTE: VIDEO AT THE END OF ARTICLE
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to questions Wednesday regarding President Donald Trump’s position on public demonstrations, particularly in light of ongoing protests and planned military celebrations this weekend.
During the briefing, Jasmine Wright, a reporter for NOTUS, asked Leavitt whether President Trump supports any forms of protest.
“The president absolutely supports peaceful protest,” Leavitt said. “He supports the First Amendment and the right of Americans to express themselves. What he does not support is violence or attacks on law enforcement officers doing their jobs.”
Wright followed up, asking whether peaceful demonstrations would be allowed during Saturday’s scheduled military parade.
“Of course the president supports peaceful protest. What a stupid question,” Leavitt replied, drawing a mix of reactions from the press corps.
The exchange came as Los Angeles continues to experience unrest following Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal convictions. Demonstrations in the city began last Friday and have included property damage, looting, and altercations with federal personnel.
In response to the violence, the White House deployed roughly 2,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines to the region. The move was challenged by California officials, with Governor Gavin Newsom filing a lawsuit to stop the federal deployment. However, a federal judge denied the state’s emergency request, allowing the deployments to continue.
According to federal officials, several individuals arrested during the ICE operations had prior convictions for serious offenses, including attempted rape and second-degree murder. One individual, Emiliano Garduno-Galvez, a Mexican national with a previous deportation record, has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail at ICE agents.
Incidents of violence and vandalism have continued throughout the city. In Paramount, California, a Customs and Border Protection vehicle was struck by a rock, injuring an agent. In Little Tokyo, businesses boarded up windows as graffiti and property damage spread.
President Trump has stated that the military presence will remain as long as needed to protect federal assets and restore order. Neither the Department of Justice nor the Department of Homeland Security has specified a timeline for withdrawal.
https://rumble.com/v6un0dr-what-a-stupid-question-karoline-leavitt-sniffs-out-reporters-attempt-to-tri.html
