Trump calls Black Lives Matter mural ‘symbol of hate’

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump criticized a proposed Black Lives Matter mural to be painted outside Trump Tower in New York City as a “symbol of hate” Wednesday while denouncing Mayor Bill de Blasio, who ordered the phrase painted outside Trump’s longtime office.

De Blasio said he ordered the mural – the words “Black Lives Matter” painted in bright letters – to be placed right in front of Trump Tower for a reason.

“We’re going to take this moment in history and amplify it by taking the ‘Black Lives Matter’ symbolism by putting it all over this city, including right in front of Trump Tower,” the mayor told MSNBC on Wednesday.

Trump responded by attacking the mayor for the mural and his plan to cut up to $1 billion from the New York City police budget.

“NYC is cutting Police $’s by ONE BILLION DOLLARS, and yet the @NYCMayor is going to paint a big, expensive, yellow Black Lives Matter sign on Fifth Avenue, denigrating this luxury Avenue,” Trump wrote on Twitter. “Maybe our GREAT Police, who have been neutralized and scorned by a mayor who hates & disrespects them, won’t let this symbol of hate be affixed to New York’s greatest street. Spend this money fighting crime instead!”

The president did not mention that the Black Lives Matter mural is slated to be right outside Trump Tower. Trump ruled his real estate and media empire from the glass skyscraper that opened in 1983. Trump Tower also served as the home base for his television show, “The Apprentice,” as well as his 2016 presidential campaign.

De Blasio said painting Black Lives Matter on Fifth Avenue is designed in part to send a message to Trump.

Trump and aides have described some supporters of Black Lives Matter as vandals. They cite property damage and some violence during nationwide protests of police brutality, particularly after the May 25 death of George Floyd at the hands of officers in Minneapolis.