The Daily The Showdown at Lafayette Square
Jun 4, 2020
Join Peter Baker, Chief White House correspondent for The New York Times, as he unpacks the chaotic decisions within the Trump administration during the protests at Lafayette Square. Baker details the tense atmosphere of the White House grappling with military intervention and the fallout from Trump's controversial photo op at St. John's Church. He discusses the ethical implications of using force against protesters and how these events may define the presidency in history. Explore the rift between the president and military leaders amidst the national unrest.
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Bunker Incident & Insurrection Act Debate
- Trump felt pressured to act due to news reports about him using the White House bunker during protests.
- This led to an Oval Office debate about invoking the Insurrection Act to deploy the military.
Trump's Call with Governors
- Trump berated governors on a call, urging them to "dominate" protesters and use the National Guard.
- He called them "weak" and encouraged them to take control of the streets by force.
Secret Plan to Visit St. John's Church
- After deciding to address the nation, Trump and a small group, including Ivanka Trump, planned a visit to St. John's Church.
- This visit, intended to be a show of strength, remained largely secret.