Taylor Swift has spoken out against Donald Trump after he threatened to unleash violence against protesters in Minneapolis.
“After stoking the fires of white supremacy and racism your entire presidency, you have the nerve to feign moral superiority before threatening violence?” the singer tweeted on Friday.
She then referred to Trump’s use of the phrase, “When the looting starts the shooting starts.” That language was also used by Miami Police Chief Walter Headley in a 1967 speech outlining his department's efforts to "combat young hoodlums who have taken advantage of the civil rights campaign."
“We will vote you out in November,” Swift added in reference to the upcoming US presidential election.
Demonstrators in Minnesota are protesting in reaction to the death of George Floyd, a black man who was seen on video pleading for air as a white police officer knelt on his neck.
Trump previously tweeted about the protesters: “These THUGS are dishonouring the memory of George Floyd, and I won’t let that happen.
“Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you!”
That message has been masked by Twitter for “[violating] the Twitter Rules about glorifying violence”.
The tweet remains available to those who choose to see it by clicking on it.
Additional reporting by agencies
