In a statement shared on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, Trump said he had instructed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to avoid federal involvement in such situations unless invited by local officials.
“I have instructed Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, that under no circumstances are we going to participate in various poorly run Democrat cities with regard to their protests and/or riots unless, and until, they ask us for help,” Trump wrote.
The president, however, made it clear that federal buildings and personnel would still receive full protection from national agencies if threatened.
He emphasized that the government would respond forcefully to any attacks on federal property.
“We will, however, guard, and very powerfully so, any and all Federal Buildings that are being attacked,” he added.
Trump repeated the message later while addressing reporters, stating that cities should take responsibility for maintaining law and order within their jurisdictions.
He argued that past federal interventions in some cities had led to criticism rather than cooperation from local leaders.
“If they want help, they have to ask for it, because if we go in, all they do is complain,” Trump said.
The president’s remarks come amid rising tensions across several American cities following protests linked to recent immigration enforcement operations.
Demonstrations have spread in different regions, with activists condemning what they term as harsh federal tactics.
Trump warned protesters against attacking law enforcement officers, federal vehicles, or government facilities, promising strict consequences for anyone involved in such actions.
“There will be no spitting in the faces of our officers, no punching our people, and no damage to federal property,” he cautioned.
Trump warned protesters against attacking law enforcement officers, federal vehicles, or government facilities, promising strict consequences for anyone involved in such actions.
“There will be no spitting in the faces of our officers, no punching our people, and no damage to federal property,” he cautioned.
“Those who do so will face equal or greater consequences.”
He also indicated that local and state governments bear the primary responsibility for protecting public and private property, with federal forces serving only as a backup if needed.
The president cited an incident in Eugene, Oregon, where he claimed demonstrators broke into a federal building, damaged property, and harassed staff while local police allegedly failed to act.
However, local authorities disputed his account. The Eugene Police Department stated that officers had responded and declared the situation a riot after protesters breached entry points into the building.
In a statement, the department said its officers acted to de-escalate the situation and ordered protesters to disperse.
“Some protesters breached the building and went inside. Occupants include civilian staff. Eugene Police’s presence was an attempt to keep things de-escalated,” the statement read.
Trump maintained that federal assistance would be provided swiftly, but only upon request from local governments.
He even remarked that states would need to use the word “please” if they wanted federal support.
The president further warned that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Border Patrol, and even the military could be deployed if federal property or personnel came under serious threat.
His comments have also revived discussions around the possible use of the Insurrection Act, a law that gives the president authority to deploy the military domestically to suppress unrest.
This development comes as nationwide demonstrations are expected to continue throughout the weekend, following a strike organized by activists protesting immigration enforcement policies.
While supporters of the president argue that the decision respects the autonomy of local governments, critics say the statement risks escalating tensions by introducing the possibility of a heavy federal response if situations worsen.
CNN has reported that it reached out to the White House and the Department of Homeland Security for additional clarification on the directive, but further details had not been released at the time of publication.
He also indicated that local and state governments bear the primary responsibility for protecting public and private property, with federal forces serving only as a backup if needed.
The president cited an incident in Eugene, Oregon, where he claimed demonstrators broke into a federal building, damaged property, and harassed staff while local police allegedly failed to act.
However, local authorities disputed his account. The Eugene Police Department stated that officers had responded and declared the situation a riot after protesters breached entry points into the building.
In a statement, the department said its officers acted to de-escalate the situation and ordered protesters to disperse.
“Some protesters breached the building and went inside. Occupants include civilian staff. Eugene Police’s presence was an attempt to keep things de-escalated,” the statement read.
Trump maintained that federal assistance would be provided swiftly, but only upon request from local governments.
He even remarked that states would need to use the word “please” if they wanted federal support.
The president further warned that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Border Patrol, and even the military could be deployed if federal property or personnel came under serious threat.
His comments have also revived discussions around the possible use of the Insurrection Act, a law that gives the president authority to deploy the military domestically to suppress unrest.
This development comes as nationwide demonstrations are expected to continue throughout the weekend, following a strike organized by activists protesting immigration enforcement policies.
While supporters of the president argue that the decision respects the autonomy of local governments, critics say the statement risks escalating tensions by introducing the possibility of a heavy federal response if situations worsen.
CNN has reported that it reached out to the White House and the Department of Homeland Security for additional clarification on the directive, but further details had not been released at the time of publication.