Trump directs DHS to limit local protest intervention, vows strong defense of federal property

President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he directed the Department of Homeland Security to limit federal intervention in local protests and riots unless local or state governments formally request assistance. 

At the same time, he promised a forceful federal response to any attacks on federal property.

“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 on Truth Social.

While distancing federal agencies from local unrest, Trump emphasized that protecting federal buildings remains a top priority. “We will, however, guard, and very powerfully so, any and all Federal Buildings that are being attacked by these highly paid Lunatics, Agitators, and Insurrectionists,” he stated.

Trump also made clear his expectations for law enforcement personnel’s treatment, warning, “There will be no spitting in the faces of our Officers, there will be no punching or kicking the headlights of our cars, and there will be no rock or brick throwing at our vehicles, or at our Patriot Warriors. If there is, those people will suffer an equal, or more, consequence.”

The former president underscored the responsibility of local and state governments in maintaining order. 

“You must protect your own State and Local Property. In addition, it is your obligation to also protect our Federal Property, Buildings, Parks, and everything else,” he said. “We are there to protect Federal Property, only as a back up, in that it is Local and State Responsibility to do so.”

Trump cited a recent incident in Eugene, Oregon, where federal property was damaged and federal employees were harassed while local police reportedly did not intervene. “Last night in Eugene, Oregon, these criminals broke into a Federal Building, and did great damage, also scaring and harassing the hardworking employees. Local Police did nothing in order to stop it. We will not let that happen anymore!”

Reflecting on federal involvement in the Los Angeles riots a year prior, Trump said, “If Local Governments are unable to handle the Insurrectionists, Agitators, and Anarchists, we will immediately go to the location where such help is requested, and take care of the situation very easily and methodically, just as we did the Los Angeles Riots one year ago, where the Police Chief said that, ‘We couldn’t have done it without the help of the Federal Government.’”

He concluded by urging local leaders to formally request federal support: 

“To all complaining Local Governments, Governors, and Mayors, let us know when you are ready, and we will be there — But, before we do so, you must use the word, ‘PLEASE,’” he said.