Ivanka Trump urges protesters to socially distance, wear masks

Ivanka Trump on Wednesday defended the rights of protesters to gather in defiance of stay-at-home measures imposed by some states to fight the coronavirus pandemic, but encouraged demonstrators to practice social distancing and wear masks.

"Peaceful protest & freedom of assembly are beautiful American traditions that should always be protected," the president's oldest daughter and senior adviser tweeted.

"If you choose to exercise your 1st Amendment rights, please practice social distancing & wear a face covering," she added. "We can protect our rights & our health at the same time."

Trump weighed in as protests have taken place in recent days across the country in opposition to stay-at-home orders issued by many governors.

The size of the protests have varied from state to state. Thousands of people turned out in Lansing for last week’s protests in Michigan, but most gatherings have numbered in the hundreds. A planned demonstration in Maryland earlier this week only drew a few attendees.