Trump: 'Poorly run' liberal cities will not receive federal support amid mass riots and protests unless they say, 'PLEASE'

President Donald Trump stated that he directed the Department of Homeland Security not to send federal support to “poorly run” liberal cities struggling with rampant riots and protests, unless they specifically ask for help.

 “I have instructed Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, that under no circumstances are we going to participate in various poorly run Democrat Cities with regard to their Protests and/or Riots unless, and until, they ask us for help.” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social on Saturday.

However, the president promised to protect all federal buildings that would be attacked.

 

“We will, however, guard, and very powerfully so, any and all Federal Buildings that are being attacked by these highly paid Lunatics, Agitators, and Insurrectionists,” he continued.

Trump also warned anyone who assaults police officers or damages federal property that they will face consequences.

“There will be no spitting in the faces of our Officers, there will be no punching or kicking the headlights of our cars, and there will be no rock or brick throwing at our vehicles, or at our Patriot Warriors. If there is, those people will suffer an equal, or more, consequence.”

 

He highlighted the responsibilities of local and state governments in maintaining peace and order.

“You must protect your own State and Local Property. In addition, it is your obligation to also protect our Federal Property, Buildings, Parks, and everything else,” he said. “We are there to protect Federal Property, only as a back up, in that it is Local and State Responsibility to do so.”

The president reflected on federal involvement in the Los Angeles riots last year, urging leaders not to hesitate to reach out for assistance.

 

“If Local Governments are unable to handle the Insurrectionists, Agitators, and Anarchists, we will immediately go to the location where such help is requested, and take care of the situation very easily and methodically, just as we did the Los Angeles Riots one year ago, where the Police Chief said that, ‘We couldn’t have done it without the help of the Federal Government.’”

The June 2025 Los Angeles riots erupted after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting illegal immigration, leading to clashes with police, deployment of the National Guard and Marines, widespread arrests, and a curfew in downtown Los Angeles.

These events, which spread nationwide, were triggered by mass deportation policies under the second Trump administration and involved both peaceful demonstrations and violent acts like arson and vandalism.

 

He concluded by reaffirming his promise to help if local and state leaders formally ask.

“To all complaining Local Governments, Governors, and Mayors, let us know when you are ready, and we will be there — But, before we do so, you must use the word, ‘PLEASE,’” he said.