Key Points From Trump White House Speech: 'I Will Fight To Protect You'

President Donald Trump declared that he "will fight to protect" peace-loving Americans when he addressed the nation Monday (June 1) amid a wave of riots and protests over the death of George Floyd while in Minnesota police custody.

This was the President's first address to the nation after the protests and riots spread rapidly across the country.

The President said that every American can be "rightly sickened and revolted" by Floyd's death but he also said that he cannot allow angry mobs to take over cities, in reference to the looting, arson, vandalism, assaults and violence that have marked the days of protests.

"The biggest victims of the rioting are peace-loving citizens in our poorest communities, and as their President, I will fight to keep them safe," Trump said in c at the White House's Rose Garden. "I will fight to protect you. I am your President of law and order, and an ally of all peaceful protesters."

Trump also announced the deployment of the National Guard and "all available federal resources — civilian and military" to end "riots and lawlessness" across the states.

"If a city or a state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them."

Earlier in the day, the President blamed “weak” governors for failing to stop the riots."

As Trump spoke, a larger military contingent was dispatched in Washington, D.C., where sites like the Lincoln Memorial and the World War Two Memorial have been vandalized.

"As we speak, I am dispatching thousands and thousands of heavily armed soldiers, military personnel, and law enforcement officers to stop the rioting, looting, vandalism, assaults, and the wanton destruction of property."

Trump warned the lawbreakers they will be "arrested, detained, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law" if they continue to harm innocent lives and damage properties.

"I want the organizers of this terror to be on notice that you will face severe criminal penalties and lengthy sentences in jail," Trump said.

He specifically mentioned “Antifa” in his speech. According to reports, Antifa is short for anti-fascists, and not a designation, organization or group.

Meanwhile, the President also vowed to restore the law to help families and businesses.

"America is founded upon the rule of law. It is the foundation of our prosperity, our freedom, and our very way of life. But where there is no law, there is no opportunity. Where there is no justice, there is no liberty. Where there is no safety, there is no future."

After his speech, Trump made his way to the Lafayette Square to visit the historic St. John’s Episcopal Church, which was set on fire by protesters the night before. According to Fox News, Trump stood in front of the church holding a Bible, alongside Defense Secretary Mark Esper, Attorney General Bill Barr, Chief of Staff Mark Meadows; and his daughter and adviser Ivanka Trump.

Read Trump's full speech here.