President Trump canceled a planned trip to his resort in Bedminster, New Jersey, because of expected protests over the death of George Floyd.
Trump planned the visit in March, but the president’s aides grew increasingly concerned about Trump’s security as they expected large protests since then.
“The president’s looking forward to another working weekend,” a senior administration official told Politico.
Democratic New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy declined to discuss security matters at a news conference on Thursday, though he noted it’s something he takes “very seriously.”
“I don’t think it’s appropriate to talk about security as it relates to any of us, and that includes, certainly, the president,” he said. “Obviously, it’s something we take very seriously. It is not a first-time visit, so this is a regular reality since he’s been president, and there is a rhythm associated with this — and I think we will leave it at that.”
Two weeks ago, Trump visited the Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia, his first presidential trip since the start of the coronavirus pandemic grew in the United States. During his visit, a few protesters showed up at the resort’s club entrance with signs as the coronavirus death toll reached over 100,000 people.
Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden mocked the president for taking a weekend break at the club: “Nearly 100,000 lives have been lost, and tens of millions are out of work. Meanwhile, the president spent his day golfing,” Biden tweeted, attaching a campaign video.
Nearly 100,000 lives have been lost, and tens of millions are out of work.
Meanwhile, the president spent his day golfing. pic.twitter.com/H1BVNtgVjA
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) May 24, 2020
