Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker criticized President Trump’s response to the nationwide protests and riots following the death of George Floyd.
On Monday, the president held a call with the nation’s governors to discuss their response to the riots that have taken place in more than a dozen U.S. cities over the past few days. During the call, Trump said the National Guard must “dominate” the streets and take back control from protesters. Baker, a Republican, condemned Trump’s calls for domination during a press conference later that day.
“I heard what the president said today about dominating and fighting. I know I should be surprised when I hear incendiary words like this from him, but I’m not. At so many times during these past several weeks, when the country needed compassion and leadership the most, it was simply nowhere to be found,” Baker said.
“Instead, we got bitterness, combativeness, and self-interest. That’s not what we need in Boston. It’s not what we need right now in Massachusetts. And it’s definitely not what we need across this great country of ours either,” Baker added.
Boston was one of several cities to have rioters set fire and loot businesses. At least 53 people were arrested in connection to the riots.
Baker has consistently criticized Trump since he took office. He was one of the most prominent Republicans to come out in support of the impeachment inquiry into Trump late last year.
