Trump dismisses protesters, then calls them ‘passionate’
VIOLENT TURN 29 arrested after demonstrators burn effigies, smash machines
WASHINGTON: Thousands of Americans marched in protest against the election of Donald Trump for the second night on Thursday, as the president-elect tried to both dismiss them as professionals put up to it by the media, and to praise them for their passion.
Though largely peaceful, the protests turned violent in Portland, Oregon, where police described them as a “riot” because of “extensive criminal and dangerous behaviour” after businesses and other buildings were stoned and vandalised.
Trump Tower in Manhattan, which is both home and workplace for the president-elect, continued to be the centre of protests in New York, with demonstrators chanting, “Not my president”, and carrying signs and placards.
Trump, who has resumed tweeting after being forced off the site by campaign aides concerned about his incendiary outbursts, first dismissed the protestors as “professional protesters, incited by the media”. He also added, “Very unfair!”
The real estate mogul followed that up, after a few hours, with this one: “Love the fact that the small groups of protesters last night have passion for our great country. We will all come together and be proud!” He tried to slight them as “small groups” and praise them.
Protests started on Wednesday night after Trump’s surprising win in the presidential election, and have continued despite appeals from Hillary Clinton — to give Trump a chance — and Barack Obama, to accept the outcome and move on.
The White House defended the protests, with press secretary Josh Earnest saying, “The president believes that’s a right that should be protected.” But, he added, “It is a right that should be exercised without violence.”
As on the first night, Trump properties have continued to attract protestors. On Thursday, they gathered outside Trump International, the luxury hotel he inaugurated in the middle of the campaign to flaunt his ability to beat deadlines.
Protests were also reported from Los Angeles and San Francisco in California, Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, Baltimore in Maryland, Milwaukee in Wisconsin, Minneapolis in Minnesota, Nashville in Tennessee and Dallas in Texas.
The protests in Portland, Oregon turned violent after a few hours, when people started spray-painting buildings, smashing vending machines and electrical boxes, according to the police officials cited in new reports from the city.
Police used non-lethal flash grenades, pepper spray and rubber batons to stop rioters; and made 29 arrests.