White House: Trump supports peaceful protests

In view of the tense situation on the West Coast and the US government's crackdown, protests have now also formed in other cities across the country. In Washington, a large military parade is planned for Saturday evening (local time) to mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the US Army - it coincides with Trump's 79th birthday. Demonstrations are also expected there.

Trump had threatened possible protesters at the parade yesterday with tough action. "These are people who hate our country", he said in the White House. If demonstrations were to take place, they would be met "with a very tough response".

When asked, Leavitt emphasized that the president stands behind the First Amendment, which guarantees the right to freedom of speech and peaceful protest. "He supports the right of Americans to speak out," she said. In Los Angeles, however, the behavior of the protesters was "for the most part" not peaceful. The spokeswoman repeated Trump's claim that it was mainly "radicalized leftists" who wanted to cause chaos.

A mixed picture has emerged in Los Angeles over the past few days: many people demonstrated peacefully, but there were occasional clashes. Violent rioters made an appearance, especially after dark. The city is currently preparing itself day by day for the next night. Critics accuse Trump of fuelling the situation himself by mobilizing the National Guard and Marines.