George Floyd protests: John Legend, Ariana Grande and more celebs blast Trump's threats to deploy military
John Legend, Ariana Grande, Ice-T and more are slamming President Donald Trump's vow for military action over current Black Lives Matter protests. The POTUS declared himself the "president of law and order" in a speech from the Rose Garden of the White House on June 1, while threatening military response if violence does not cease.
"The following measures are going into effect immediately," Trump announced. "First we are ending the riots and lawlessness that has spread throughout our country. We will end it now," he said. "Today I have strongly recommended to every governor to deploy the National Guard in sufficient numbers that we dominate the streets." His speech was then directed at city and state officials. "Mayors and governors must establish an overwhelming law enforcement presence until the violence has been quelled. If a city or state refuses to take the actions to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them," the president declared.
Trump's speech followed shortly after tear gas, flash grenades and rubber bullets were exercised toward protesters in Washington DC as Trump made his way to the nearby St. John’s Episcopal Church, known as “The Church of the Presidents,” which suffered fire damage in a protest this week. Holding a Bible, he then stood with several of his Cabinet members for a photo op.
The president's speech incited a flood of backlash from celebrities on social media who blasted him for the military threat against the public.
"TRUMP IS TRIPPIN!!! POWER TO THE PEOPLE #REVOLTBLACKNEWS @REVOLTTV," wrote Diddy on Twitter.
Ariana Grande's response was "speechless..." and was followed by a link to vote out "corrupt officials" from a list of states that encourage racism before the primary elections on June 2. "#BunkerBoy Trump had to prove he could walk in broad daylight today so he sicced the police on peaceful protesters so he could stand there and awkwardly hold the Bible. Dear God. We need to end this nightmare of a presidency," said John Legend.
Ice-T responded to a previous tweet from Samuel L. Jackson which read, "Did we just get Martial Lawed??! So, he just Declared War on The Public??!! It’s not 1807 this is not Rebellion!!, but I think it’s about get all kinds of f**ked up here!!" Ice-T said, "Sounded like that to me…"
Rage Against the Machine's guitarist Tom Morello responded to the POTUS speech with, "Trump just threatened to deploy active US military on US soil! 2nd Amendment zealots rise up!! The police state you have feared is HERE. Sons Of Liberty WHERE ARE YOU?!"