The White House Says Trump Supports Peaceful Protests of the Army Parade

The president previously said protests would be met “with very big force.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during a briefing
Evan Vucci/AP

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump would support peaceful protests during the upcoming parade to mark the 250th anniversary of the Army, despite Trump vowing to meet any protesters with “very big force.”

“Of course the president supports peaceful protests. What a stupid question,” Leavitt said Wednesday when NOTUS asked if Trump would allow for peaceful protests during Saturday’s celebrations.

Trump previously warned that protesters would face heavy opposition — not differentiating between peaceful or violent protests.