First Lady Melania Trump asked the nation to focus on “peace, prayers [and] healing” as protests have erupted across the country after a Black American man, George Floyd, died in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The first lady wrote on Twitter, “Our country allows for peaceful protests, but there is no reason for violence. I’ve seen our citizens unify [and] take care of one another through COVID19 [and] we can’t stop now. My deepest condolences to the family of George Floyd. As a nation, let’s focus on peace, prayers [and] healing.”
Our country allows for peaceful protests, but there is no reason for violence. I’ve seen our citizens unify & take care of one another through COVID19 & we can’t stop now. My deepest condolences to the family of George Floyd. As a nation, let's focus on peace, prayers & healing.
— Melania Trump 45 Archived (@FLOTUS45) May 29, 2020
During the coronavirus pandemic, Trump has been especially vocal.
In a recent video message to students, Trump said, “Over the past two months I know you have had to make many changes in your life. Many of you have had to attend classes in your homes and haven’t been able to see your friends. Many of you were looking forward to your prom, spring sports and graduation.”
The first lady has also been outspoken about Americans staying healthy in the pandemic and has encouraged them to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
In a video message posted on Twitter, she even outlined the CDC recommendations, saying, “As the CDC continues to study the spread of the COVID-19, they recommend people wear cloth face coverings in public settings where social distancing measures can be difficult to maintain.”
A reminder of some practical ways to keep our families safe and healthy. pic.twitter.com/vLWGMLgXFD
— Melania Trump 45 Archived (@FLOTUS45) April 28, 2020
Her comments about the protestors across the country were different than those of her husband.
President Donald Trump tweeted that he spoke with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and “told him that the Military is with him all the way.”
The president added, “Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you!”
But that tweet was flagged by Twitter for “glorifying violence,” further escalating tensions between the president and the tech company.