The Portland Press Herald called on President Trump to surrender the office of the presidency.
“Our View: To President Trump: You should resign now,” was the headline used by the Maine-based publication in a scathing editorial calling for Trump’s resignation ahead of his trip to the state on Friday. “He lacks the character, maturity and judgment to lead the country in a perilous time,” said the deck underneath.
The piece began by condemning the president’s response to the coronavirus and the subsequent economic fallout from people being forced to stay at home for months to curb the spread of the virus. It went on to address the president’s response to the protests that have popped up across the country following the death of George Floyd, claiming that his actions “fan the flames” of the systemic racism they are demonstrating against.
The piece was published hours before the May job numbers showed a shocking uptick in jobs created while the unemployment rate dropped to 13.3%.
“In just the last week you gleefully tweeted about shooting fellow citizens; you goaded governors into escalating violent situations so they don’t ‘look like jerks;’ and you authorized the use of rubber bullets and tear gas to clear peaceful protesters out of a public space so you could pose for a Bible-waving photo-op,” the editorial said. “When what’s called for is compassion, clear vision and a commitment to lead, you are out of ammo.”
The piece continued, “As head of government, you have unmatched power to direct resources to relieve suffering. You can’t or won’t do that, either, so you should resign. And in your mistreatment of lawful protesters and abuse of religious symbols, you have violated your oath to protect and defend the Constitution, so you should resign.”
The editorial concluded by referencing former President Richard Nixon’s resignation from the office to “[hasten] the start of that process of healing which is so desperately needed in America.”
Trump’s visit to Maine on Friday is his first since taking office.
