LEAVITT: Of course the president supports peaceful protest. What a stupid question. pic.twitter.com/rJZuGFRt0z
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 11, 2025
Just one day earlier, Trump had warned that protesters would “be met with very big force.” He gave no details on what that meant. His comments came after weeks of unrest in Los Angeles, where he had already sent the National Guard and Marines to stop protests over immigration raids.
Now, people are wondering what the word “peaceful” really means to this White House.
Wright had initially asked Leavitt to explain what kind of protest President Trump finds acceptable. Leavitt responded by saying the president supports the First Amendment and free speech. However, she quickly shifted the blame to the Democrats.
“He does not support violence of any kind,” Leavitt said. “Unfortunately for Democrats, that line has not been made clear.”
But Wright’s question had nothing to do with violence. It was about peaceful protesters. And Leavitt never clarified that part. She quickly moved on to the next reporter.
Outside the White House, protests are already being planned. A group called “No Kings” is organizing events across the country to protest Trump’s parade.
They are asking people to avoid D.C., where police presence will be strong. Instead, they are telling protesters to gather in cities like Philadelphia and in suburban areas of Virginia and Maryland.
Barricades have already gone up around D.C. Streets are being blocked off. Security is tight.
But through all of this, one question still hangs in the air — will peaceful protesters be protected or punished?
Trump’s team keeps saying they support free speech. But their actions show something else. They use fear. They bring in troops. They make threats.
At that same Tuesday briefing, another reporter asked Leavitt if Trump sees himself as a king. Her answer did not help.
She said, “The president views himself as the president of the United States. This is a constitutional republic.”
That answer did not calm anyone.
Later, David Sanger from The New York Times asked why Trump has not clearly promised to protect peaceful protesters.
Leavitt’s reply was vague. “Two things can be important at the same time,” she said.
Featured image via Screengrab
