Trump trashes, then cheers protests
Do presidents get Twitter do-overs?
President-elect Donald Trump returned to his vintage persona on Thursday night, criticizing anti-Trump protests and accusing the media of inciting them. “Very unfair!” he tweeted.
But on Friday morning, Trump tweeted that he appreciated the demonstrators’ passion for their country, which he said would eventually unite under his presidency.
Just had a very open and successful presidential election. Now professional protesters, incited by the media, are protesting. Very unfair!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 11, 2016
Love the fact that the small groups of protesters last night have passion for our great country. We will all come together and be proud!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 11, 2016
The difference in tone between the two tweets is striking as Trump prepares to assume the role of the presidency.
Up until that Thursday night tweet, Trump had mostly shed his fiery and freewheeling approach from the campaign trail. After winning Tuesday’s election, Trump praised Hillary Clinton instead of threatening to prosecute her. And at a Thursday meeting at the White House, Trump lauded aspects of President Obama’s record.
Speculation has also swirled as to what type of social media presence Trump will have once he’s president. For years, the celebrity businessman has tossed out caustic Twitter barbs, sometimes with poor spelling or at odd hours of the day. But in the final days of the campaign, and after aides reportedly wrested away his Twitter account, he was relatively reserved.
Thousands of angry protesters have taken to the streets in cities across the U.S. In Chicago, a peaceful protest was staged outside of the city’s Trump Tower. But in Portland, Ore., police said 26 demonstrators were arrested after the group turned violent and started destroying property.
_____
Related slideshows:
Donald Trump meets with Obama at the White House and visits the Capitol >>>
Protests after Donald Trump’s victory >>>
Newspapers around the world react to Donald Trump’s victory >>>
Tears and cheers as Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton supporters clash at the White House >>>
World reaction to Trump’s stunning victory >>>
Trump defeats Clinton in 2016 election >>>
Election Night in America! >>>
Americans go to the polls to elect the 45th president >>>
Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump hold final rallies on Election Day eve >>>
Donald Trump’s America, Part 2 >>>
Donald Trump inspires his own brand of fashion on the campaign trail >>>
Face-off: Documenting the expressive battle between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump >>>
