Trump Talks About Quelling Portland Protests During Tampa Visit

LARGO, FL — During remarks at Tampa International Airport Friday, President Donald Trump announced he is sending federal law enforcement back into Portland, Oregon, Friday night if the city doesn't put a stop to the ongoing protests that have turned violent.

"It's been going on for 64 days," said Trump of the protests in Portland following the death of George Floyd. "I sent in Homeland Security seven days ago to protect the courthouse, and we emptied out the park last night. I gave them (city officials) a short time to clean up their city and get rid of these people. If they don't clean it up, we'll be sending in people to take care of it in about two hours."

Trump arrived at the airport around 3:30 p.m. Friday and, surrounded by members of the Florida Sheriffs Association, spent about a half hour speaking to a small crowd on the tarmac.

Referring to the riots that have taken place since Floyd's death in the custody of Minneapolis Police, he said Americans can expect more "chaos and bloodshed" at the hands of "anarchists and terrorists" if Joe Biden is elected president.

"In Joe Biden's America, you'll be at the mercy of the left wing," he said. "There will be no safety, no security, no peace, no justice, no one to protect you and no one to protect the American way of life."

Also speaking was Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey who said he's "never seen a time with the challenges like law enforcement is facing today," with attacks on police officers during protests and calls to defund police.

"He (Trump) understands that American sheriffs and law enforcement officers are the first line of defense for America and our constitution," said Ivey.

Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco, who's implemented a program to train deputies to provide mental health services for mentally ill and drug-addicted residents in Pasco County, agreed, saying the call defunding law enforcement will leave these residents without the help they need.

After Trump finished speaking at 4:55 p.m., his motorcade headed to the Pelican Golf Club in Belleair where Trump was scheduled meet Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and U.S. Sen. Rick Scott for a roundtable discussion on coronavirus and preparations for Hurricane Isiais.

"We'll do everything we can to help Florida during this storm," Trump said. "It’s going to be a pretty rough storm but I have complete confidence in the strength and resilience of this incredible state."

He was expected to make remarks at a funding committee dinner at the golf club at 6 p.m. before heading back to the airport at 7 p.m. for his 7:50 p.m. flight back to Washington, D.C.