Fact Check: "Trump allegedly asked about shooting protesters' legs after George Floyd's death"
What We Know
The claim that former President Donald Trump asked about shooting protesters in the legs during the unrest following George Floyd's death is supported by statements made by Mark Esper, who served as the Secretary of Defense under Trump. In an interview with NPR, Esper recounted a meeting where Trump expressed his frustration over the protests, stating, "Can't you just shoot them, just shoot them in the legs or something?" This incident is detailed in Esper's memoir, A Sacred Oath: Memoirs of a Secretary of Defense During Extraordinary Times, where he describes the president as being "enraged" and concerned about how the protests made him and the country appear weak (NPR, Axios).
Esper's account indicates that this suggestion was made in a serious context, as he and other officials were taken aback by the president's remark. He emphasized that such behavior was not typical and highlighted the tension in the room during that meeting (NPR, The Hill).
Analysis
The reliability of the claim hinges on the credibility of Mark Esper as a source. Esper is a former high-ranking official who has firsthand knowledge of the events he describes. His account is corroborated by multiple reputable news outlets, including NPR, Axios, and CBS News, which have reported on his statements regarding Trump's suggestion (NPR, CBS News, Axios).
Critics may argue that Esper's motivations for writing his memoir could influence his portrayal of events, suggesting that he might be seeking to capitalize on his experiences for personal gain. However, the consistency of his account across various interviews and the corroboration from multiple sources lend weight to his credibility. Furthermore, the context of the protests and the political climate at the time adds to the plausibility of Trump's alleged remarks (NPR, MSNBC).
While some may question the interpretation of Trump's words, the direct quote attributed to him is clear and unambiguous. The suggestion to shoot protesters, even in a hypothetical context, raises significant ethical and legal concerns regarding the use of force by law enforcement and military personnel against civilians.
Conclusion
The claim that Trump asked about shooting protesters' legs after George Floyd's death is True. The evidence provided by Mark Esper, supported by multiple credible news sources, confirms that this conversation took place. Esper's position as a former Secretary of Defense and the serious nature of the discussion lend credibility to the claim, despite potential criticisms regarding his motivations for sharing these details.
Sources
- Esper: Trump asked about shooting protesters : NPR - Link
- Esper: Trump asked about shooting protesters - NPR Transcript - Link
- Esper: Trump asked about shooting protesters 'in the legs' - The Hill - Link
- Qui est Massad Boulos, ce libanais conseiller de TRUMP - JForum - Link
- Former Pentagon chief Esper says Trump wanted to shoot protesters - Axios - Link
- Ex-Pentagon Chief Claims Trump Asked About Shooting George Floyd Protesters - CBS News - Link
- Former Defense secretary: Trump asked about shooting protesters - MSNBC - Link
- Pourquoi ce chapeau de Melania Trump - JForum - Link
