From PBS NewsHour.

President Donald Trump supports "peaceful protest," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday after reporters asked about threats the president made against potential protesters at Saturday’s military parade.

Speaking from the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump said that people who plan to protest at the June 14 parade marking the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary “hate our country.” The day is also Trump’s birthday. He is expected to speak at the event in Washington, D.C.

“For those people who want to protest, they’re going to be met with very big force,” Trump said.
Leavitt said that Trump supports the First Amendment, but does not support violence or "assaulting law enforcement officers who are simply trying to do their job."

“Of course the president supports peaceful protests. What a stupid question,” Leavitt said.

A military parade has been a long-held goal of Trump’s, dating back to his first administration. The event has been criticized by Democrats and others for the cost, estimated up to $45 million, and possible damage to the city’s roads.

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