Donald Trump said violent actions against his supporters, soldiers, and law enforcement during Immigration and Customs Enforcement protests will be met with consequences equal to or greater than the harm inflicted, stressing that people should not be expected to endure assaults without response.
Trump made the remarks in response to a reporter’s question about a recent post addressing ICE protests and his warning that those who harm others would face serious consequences.
“Mr. President, back to your post on ICE protests. What did you mean when you said people will suffer an equal or greater consequences?” the reporter asked.
Trump said his message was directed at preventing violence and making clear that attacks on individuals would not be tolerated.
“If they do anything bad to our people, they will have to suffer,” Trump said.
“If they start spitting in people’s faces, punching our people, watching our soldiers, our patriots, they will get taken care of in at least an equal way.”
He said his supporters should not be expected to remain passive in the face of physical aggression.
“They’re not going to do that like you see it, the way they treat our people,” Trump said.
“And I said you’re allowed, if somebody does that, you can do something back.”
Trump specifically referenced acts such as spitting and physical attacks, saying those behaviors would bring immediate consequences.
“You’re not going to stand there and take it if somebody spits in your face,” he said.
“That will not be a pleasant thing for the person that spits.”
He also pointed to incidents involving service members and damage to government property, saying those actions would be met with a strong response.
“We’re not letting people spit in our soldier’s face as they stand at attention, and they’re not allowed to do anything if they throw bricks at a car, at one of our vehicles, very expensive vehicles, they’re going to be met with very, very serious force,” Trump said.
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Trump’s comments come amid ongoing demonstrations targeting ICE operations in multiple cities, where protests have at times escalated into confrontations involving property damage and assaults.
The president framed his remarks as a defense of public safety and the protection of soldiers, law enforcement, and supporters, emphasizing that violent conduct would not be permitted without consequence.