Fact Check: Senator Chris Murphy's Remarks on Trump's Protest Comments
What We Know
U.S. Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut responded critically to President Donald Trump's remarks regarding protesters, specifically his statement that they would be met with "very big force." Murphy described Trump's comments as "scary," emphasizing that in the United States, individuals have the right to peacefully protest without the threat of violence from the president. This exchange occurred in the context of widespread protests against the Trump administration, particularly during the "No Kings" rallies held across the country on June 14, 2025, which drew significant crowds, including thousands in Hartford, Connecticut (CT Mirror).
In his social media video, Murphy stated, “What Donald Trump is saying there is scary. In the United States of America you get to peacefully protest, and the president of the United States cannot threaten you with violence if you’re coming out and protesting his policies” (CT Mirror). This statement directly addresses the implications of Trump's remarks, which were made in the lead-up to the protests and were perceived as a warning against demonstrators (NBC News).
Analysis
The claim that Senator Chris Murphy stated President Trump's remarks about protesters being met with "very big force" were "scary" is supported by direct quotes from Murphy in the context of the protests. The source from CT Mirror provides a detailed account of the protests and Murphy's response, confirming the accuracy of his statements (CT Mirror).
Furthermore, Murphy's assertion aligns with the broader discourse surrounding the right to protest in the U.S., which is protected under the First Amendment. His comments reflect a concern about the potential for governmental overreach and the chilling effect such statements could have on free speech and assembly. The context of the protests, which were largely peaceful despite some tensions elsewhere in the country, further underscores the importance of protecting the right to protest without fear of violence (CT Mirror).
The reliability of the sources is high; both the CT Mirror and NBC News are reputable news organizations known for their journalistic standards. They provide context and direct quotes, which lend credibility to the claims made by Murphy and the surrounding events.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
Senator Chris Murphy's characterization of President Trump's remarks as "scary" and his emphasis on the right to peacefully protest are accurately reported. The evidence from reliable sources confirms that Murphy's statements were made in response to Trump's comments about using "very big force" against protesters, highlighting the ongoing concerns regarding civil liberties in the context of political dissent.
