Trump bans use of masks at LA protests over immigration raids
A protester in Los Angeles is highlighted against tear gas and flash-bang fumes when clashes broke out with immigration and customs officials conducting a raid. (AP pic)
MOSCOW : The US authorities will prohibit wearing masks at protests against the background of unrest in Los Angeles, US president Donald Trump said on Sunday, the Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported.
The decision comes a day after White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that 2,000 National Guard troops would be deployed to Los Angeles following clashes between protestors and immigration and customs (ICE) agents conducting raids to identify undocumented migrants in downtown Los Angeles
In a posting on Truth Social today, Trump thanked the National Guard for their work amid the unrest, and said: 'Also, from now on, MASKS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED to be worn at protests. What do these people have to hide, and why?
'Great job by the National Guard in Los Angeles after two days of violence, clashes and unrest … These Radical Left protests, by instigators and often paid troublemakers, will NOT BE TOLERATED … Again thank you to the National Guard for a job well done,' Trump said.
California is traditionally considered a Democratic stronghold, and Trump has repeatedly criticised the state. Last month, he threatened to cut state funding over the participation of a transgender athlete in competitions. The administration has previously cancelled US$126.4 million in flood prevention projects and criticised California's handling of wildfires.
On Saturday, California governor Gavin Newsom threatened that the state could forego paying federal taxes in response to possible massive federal funding cuts from the Trump administration.
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A protester in Los Angeles is highlighted against tear gas and flash-bang fumes when clashes broke out with immigration and customs officials conducting a raid. (AP pic) MOSCOW : The US authorities will prohibit wearing masks at protests against the background of unrest in Los Angeles, US president Donald Trump said on Sunday, the Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported. The decision comes a day after White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that 2,000 National Guard troops would be deployed to Los Angeles following clashes between protestors and immigration and customs (ICE) agents conducting raids to identify undocumented migrants in downtown Los Angeles In a posting on Truth Social today, Trump thanked the National Guard for their work amid the unrest, and said: 'Also, from now on, MASKS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED to be worn at protests. What do these people have to hide, and why? 'Great job by the National Guard in Los Angeles after two days of violence, clashes and unrest … These Radical Left protests, by instigators and often paid troublemakers, will NOT BE TOLERATED … Again thank you to the National Guard for a job well done,' Trump said. California is traditionally considered a Democratic stronghold, and Trump has repeatedly criticised the state. Last month, he threatened to cut state funding over the participation of a transgender athlete in competitions. The administration has previously cancelled US$126.4 million in flood prevention projects and criticised California's handling of wildfires. On Saturday, California governor Gavin Newsom threatened that the state could forego paying federal taxes in response to possible massive federal funding cuts from the Trump administration.
