Headline Roundup • April 18th, 2020
Trump's 'Liberate' Tweets Spark Controversy
Donald Trump,Coronavirus,Protests,Extremism,States Rights,Virginia,Michigan,Minnesota,Role Of Government,Politics
Summary from the AllSides News Team
Featured Coverage of this Story
Fox News Digital
President Trump sparked uproar on Twitter Friday with a series of tweets encouraging followers to “liberate” amid a growing movement of protests across the country to demand governors reopen “non-essential businesses” and send people back to work.
The three states Trump tweeted about -- Virginia, Michigan and Minnesota -- are run by Democratic governors and critics have responded by calling to “liberate America” from the president.
USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump called on supporters Friday to "liberate" states that have experienced protests over coronavirus lockdowns, a day after he unveiled guidelines aimed at reopening the nation's economy.
Less than 24 hoursafter declining to name states he felt are prepared to begin easing social distancing guidelines to halt the spread of the virus, Trump named Virginia, Michigan and Minnesota as states that could benefit from what he described asliberation.
When President Donald Trump tweeted "LIBERATE MINNESOTA!" on Friday morning, some of his most fervent supporters in far-right communities — including those who have agitated for violent insurrection — heard a call to arms.
The tweet was one of three sent from the president's account, along with "LIBERATE MICHIGAN!" and "LIBERATE VIRGINIA, and save your great 2nd Amendment. It is under siege!"
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