Donald Trump attended the US Military Academy's graduation for West Point in New York on Saturday, where he gave a commencement speech warning against "passion and prejudice" during moments of that are "turbulent" and "rough".
The comments came nearly two weeks after the president threatened to deploy the military to cities across the United States to control Black Lives Matter protests, which out of anger towards police brutality displayed against African Americans.
Mr Trump also mentioned the coronavirus during his speech, declaring how the US will "vanquish" the "invisible enemy", just a few days after cases in the country topped 2 million people and the CDC warned the death toll could reach 130,000 by 4 July. Following the graduation ceremony, the president returned to his Bedminster golf club in New Jersey where he is staying for the weekend.
The Trump campaign faced backlash this week for scheduling Mr Trump's first campaign rally since the start of the coronavirus pandemic on Juneteenth in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In a move not often seen by the president, he bowed to pressure and moved the date of the rally to prevent further backlash. Now the rally would take place on 20 June.
Conversations surrounding the president's controversial walk from the White House to St John's Episcopal Church last week only continue, as the Secret Service amends its initial statement about the event.
The agency previously said no pepper spray was used on protesters in Lafayette Park as a means to disperse the crowd so Mr Trump could make his walk. But now the agency has said one employee used the pepper spray "in response to an assaultive individual".
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Trump says police chokeholds sound ‘so innocent, so perfect’
Donald Trump has claimed police chokeholds sound “so innocent and so perfect” during a Fox News interview but suggested he would generally support calls to end their use.
The president said he did not like the practice of using chokeholds and would “generally speaking” support ending it before adding that there were scenarios where the practice could be necessary.
“I think the concept of chokehold sounds so innocent, so perfect,” Mr Trump told Fox News on Friday night.
“And then you realise, if it’s a one-on-one. Now, if it’s two-on-one, that’s a little bit of a different story.
“Depending on the toughness and strength - you know, we’re talking about toughness and strength. There’s a physical thing here also.”
Some US police forces have already moved to ban the use of chokeholds following the killing of George Floyd and subsequent anti-racism protests across the country.
You can find Mr Trump's comments in full below:
Dr Fauci raises concerns about Covid-19 risk at Trump rallies
Dr Anthony Fauci, the US’ top infectious diseases expert, has warned against holding election rallies during the Covid-19 pandemic due to the risk of people acquiring or spreading the virus at large gatherings.
His warning came ahead of a planned Trump campaign rally in Oklahoma next week and amid concerns that the quick reopening of the US could lead to a second wave of infections.
“I have not specifically spoken to [Trump] about that, but the principles that I have been espousing hold true,” Dr Fauci told CNN.
“The best thing to do is to avoid crowded areas. But if you're not going to do that, please wear a mask.”
The health expert has also said people should avoid Black Lives Matter protests for the same reason, as social distancing is difficult in crowded areas.
Trump moves rally date for ‘Juneteenth’ holiday
Donald Trump has said he will shift the date of an Oklahoma rally from 19 June, the date of the “Juneteenth” holiday, to 20 June out of respect for a day commemorating the end of US slavery.
The president had faced criticism for scheduling his first campaign rally in months on a day known by African-Americans as Freedom Day.
“Many of my African American friends and supporters have reached out to suggest that we consider changing the date out of respect for this Holiday, and in observance of this important occasion and all that it represents,” Mr Trump wrote on Twitter.
Senior US and China officials to meet in Hawaii in attempt to ease tensions, reports say
Senior officials from the US and China are planning to meet in Hawaii in an attempt to ease tensions between the world’s two largest economies over various issues, according to media reports.
Politico said Mike Pompeo, the US secretary of state, was planning the trip “quietly” and arrangements had not yet been finalised.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post cited an unidentified source who said Yang Jiechi, a state council and member of the Communist Party Politburo, would represent China at the meeting.
Relations between the countries have deteriorated in recent months over issues on trade and the coronavirus pandemic.
Last month, Mr Pompeo said China could have prevented hundreds of thousands of deaths around the world if it had been more transparent about Covid-19 during the early stages of the outbreak.
The US State Department and the Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.
Taylor Swift calls for removal of racist monuments in Tennessee
Taylor Swift has called for the removal of monuments which celebrate slave owners and other “racist historical figures” in her home state of Tennessee.
The pop star, who has become an outspoken critic of Mr Trump in recent years, urged lawmakers to take down the statues amid anti-racism protests around the world.
“As a Tennessean, it makes me sick that there are monuments standing in our state that celebrate racist historical figures who did evil things,” Swift tweeted.
Our music correspondent, Roisin O’Connor, has the full story below:
Trump compares his administration’s work for black community to Lincoln
Donald Trump has repeated his claim that he has done more for the black community than any other president, suggesting only Abraham Lincoln compares to his administration’s achievements.
In a bizarre Fox News interview with Harris Faulkner, who is black, Mr Trump suggested Lincoln’s achievements might have been greater but added that it was “always questionable”.
“I think I've done more for the black community than any other president. And let's take a pass on Abraham Lincoln 'cause he did good, although it's always questionable. You know, in other words, the end result,” the president said, without providing further explanation.
Ms Faulkner then interrupted: “But we are free, Mr President. He did pretty well.”
“We are free. You understand what I mean. I'm going to take a pass on Abe - Honest Abe as we call him,” Mr Trump replied.
You can find the exchange below:
Andrew Cuomo signs police reform package banning chokeholds in New York
New York’s governor Andrew Cuomo has signed into law a police reform agenda that includes the banning of chokeholds in the state following the killing of George Floyd.
On Friday, Mr Cuomo signed the “Say Their Name” agenda package, which will introduce a series of police reforms such as banning chokeholds by officers and prohibiting false race-based 911 reports.
Our reporter, Louise Hall, has the full story below:
Temporary tear gas bans introduced in Dallas and Seattle
Officials in Dallas and Seattle have ordered temporary bans on the use of tear gas and other chemical agents against peaceful protesters amid anti-racism demonstrations across the country.
US District Judge Sam Lindsay approved a consent decree in Dallas requiring police to agree to not use smoke bombs, flashbangs, pepperballs, Mace and other chemical agents against peaceful demonstrators.
Police also agreed to not fire impact projectiles, such as rubber bullets, bean bags or sponges at protesters.
Meanwhile, a federal judge in Seattle ordered a temporary ban on the use of tear gas, pepper spray and flash bang devices for 14 days.
A Black Lives Matter group sued the Seattle Police Department this week to halt the use of violent tactics by police to break up largely peaceful protests.
Trump administration rolls back healthcare protections for transgender people and abortion access
The Trump administration has rolled back anti-discrimination healthcare protections for women and transgender people by reversing a rule which would prevent some organisations refusing to provide services such as abortion or gender-affirming care.
The rule changes could allow health providers to deny coverage and care to women and transgender people - a pressing concern during the coronavirus pandemic.
Our reporter, Alex Woodward, has the full story below:
Thousands gather in Australia for Black Lives Matter protests
Thousands of people have gathered for Black Lives Matter protests in Australia this weekend following the killing of George Floyd in the US last month.
The anti-racism movement has spread globally in recent weeks, with protesters in Australia ignoring advice from the government and health authorities by holding demonstrations on Saturday.
The biggest demonstration was in Perth, Western Australia, where the Australian Broadcasting Corporation estimated that 5,000 people gathered to honor Mr Floyd and remember indigenous Australian people who have died while in custody.
However, the threat of rain and the lack of a city council permit meant the Perth rally did not reach the expected 8,000-15,000 people organisers had hoped would attend.
Hannah McGlade, a human rights lawyer and activist, called for an independent investigation into indigenous deaths in custody and rejected calls from politicians for people not to gather for the protests.
“They told us not to come. They told us to be silent. We will not be silent,” Ms McGlade said.
Mark McGowan, Western Australia’s state premier, had urged organisers to postpone the event due to concerns about the spread of Covid-19.
Biden supports removing names of Confederate leaders from military assets
Joe Biden has said he supports removing the names of Confederate leaders from military assets, setting up a potential point of conflict with Mr Trump in the 2020 election.
In a statement released on Friday, the presumptive Democratic nominee said:
“The names affixed to our military installations must honor the diverse heritage of leadership and sacrifice in our country's history.
“I fully support Senator Warren's bipartisan effort to form a commission to rename Defense Department facilities named after Confederate leaders in the next three years, and look forward to implementing the commission's work as president.”
Mr Trump said earlier this week he would “not even consider” renaming US military bases amid ongoing anti-racism protests across the country.
Former SNL star says police officer knelt on his neck during LA incident
Comedian Jay Pharoah has shared an Instagram video in which he revealed he was recently stopped and handcuffed by police in Los Angeles while out exercising.
The former SNL cast member said one of the officers knelt on his neck during the incident in a similar way to the killing of George Floyd, which has sparked anti-racism protests around the world.
You can find more on this story below:
SNL star Jay Pharoah says police officer knelt on his neck during LA incident
Comedian posted an Instagram video where he recounted his experience of being stopped and held at gunpoint by policeDonald Trump is awake and on Twitter - and starting his day by touting his administration’s work on criminal justice reform.
His tweets could be read as a comment on the pushback against his widely-disputed claim last night that he has "done more for the black community than any other president".
His tweets could be read as a comment on the pushback against his widely-disputed claim last night that he has "done more for the black community than any other president".
Who will Joe Biden pick as his running mate?
Joe Biden’s search for a 2020 election running mate is said to be entering a second round of vetting this month, with a dwindling list of potential vice presidential candidates.
Democrats with knowledge of the process told AP Mr Biden’s search committee had narrowed the list down to about six serious contenders, including former Democratic candidates Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris, and Barack Obama’s national security adviser Susan Rice.
However, the Biden campaign dismissed the idea that a shortened list had been drawn up.
“Those who talk don't know and those who know don't talk,” Andrew Bates, a Biden spokesperson, said.
Amid widespread anti-racism protests, the presumptive Democratic nominee has faced increased calls from Democrats to select a woman of colour as his running mate and the campaign’s list is reported to include several black women.
Advisers have apparently looked closely at Florida representative Val Demings and Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, as well as New Mexico governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, who is Latino.
Minnesota senator Amy Klobuchar was once a possibility for the role but is now thought to have fallen out of contention due to her history as a prosecutor and the death of George Floyd, which occurred in her state.
Mr Trump has responded to a tweet by former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee from 2017 in order to urge his supporters to leave the telecommunications company Comcast.
The president said Comcast had “terrible service” but he appeared to be equally, if not more, concerned with the company owning MSNBC.
Juneteenth: What is the historically important day and how did it start?
Celebrated annually on 19 June across the US, Juneteenth commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas and the nation's "second" Independence Day.
The day now more widely represents the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans across the US following the Civil War and its violent aftermath.
As the nation reels from the killings of black Americans in police custody, Donald Trump was shamed by his opponents for choosing to host his first rally since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic on Juneteenth, in
Tulsa, Oklahoma, which recently recognised the 99th anniversary of a two-day massacre of hundreds of black residents by a white mob.
Alex Woodward with the reports:
The history behind Juneteenth
Thousands of enslaved people in Texas were ordered free two years after Emancipation ProclamationMr Trump has since pushed his rally by one day following backlash from he selection of hosting on Juneteenth. He made the announcement of the changed date on Twitter on Friday evening.
Here is our story about changing the rally's date:
Trump changes date of Tulsa rally to avoid clash with Juneteenth slavery anniversary after criticism
President claims shift comes 'out of respect' for the holiday
Trump pushes 'law and order' message on Twitter
Donald Trump continues to push his "law and order" message on Twitter Saturday morning, which has been a go-to in recent weeks as protests calling for police reform make more waves.
Donald Trump continues to push his "law and order" message on Twitter Saturday morning, which has been a go-to in recent weeks as protests calling for police reform make more waves.
He shared a tweet from his campaign team listing "Biden allies" who were attempting to "destroy" the police force. It is worth noting that some of those listed have called for decreasing police funding, not completely eliminating police departments.
Another tweet simply stated "Law & Order".
Trump to deliver commencement address for West Point in socially distanced ceremony
President Donald Trump will deliver a commencement address during West Point's socially distanced ceremony. West Point is a US Military Academy based in West Point, New York.
About 1,110 graduates are expected to graduate this year, but their graduation will look a bitt different with the coronavirus pandemic.
President Donald Trump will deliver a commencement address during West Point's socially distanced ceremony. West Point is a US Military Academy based in West Point, New York.
About 1,110 graduates are expected to graduate this year, but their graduation will look a bitt different with the coronavirus pandemic.
Students were tested for the novel virus and then separated into groups of 250 to then live, work, and eat together for the last two weeks. Now these groups will be placed 6 feet apart from each other to sit at the graduation ceremony – to be held at Plain Field Parade. The traditional location for the graduation ceremony is Michie Stadium.
All efforts will be made during the ceremony to prevent any spread of the virus, including the students receiving a salute from President Donald Trump and President and Lieutenant General Williams instead of a diploma.
Mr Trump tweeted about his upcoming commencement address on Saturday morning.
All efforts will be made during the ceremony to prevent any spread of the virus, including the students receiving a salute from President Donald Trump and President and Lieutenant General Williams instead of a diploma.
Mr Trump tweeted about his upcoming commencement address on Saturday morning.
Minneapolis police officers condemn former colleague Derek Chauvin charged with killing George Floyd in open letter
Fourteen officers signed the letter on Thursday which is addressed to "everyone -- but especially Minneapolis citizens", following the killing of Floyd on 25 May.
"Derek Chauvin failed as a human and stripped George Floyd of his dignity and life. This is not who we are," the letter says.
Rory Sullivan reports:
More than a dozen members of the Minneapolis police department have condemned their former colleague Derek Chauvin in an open letter on the death of George Floyd.
Fourteen officers signed the letter on Thursday which is addressed to "everyone -- but especially Minneapolis citizens", following the killing of Floyd on 25 May.
"Derek Chauvin failed as a human and stripped George Floyd of his dignity and life. This is not who we are," the letter says.
Rory Sullivan reports:
