Speaking before graduating cadets at the US Military Academy at West Point, President Trump thanked the National Guard for their contribution to “ensuring peace, safety and the constitutional rule of law on our streets.”
Trump also praised the “durability” of American institutions “against the passions and prejudices of the moment.”
“When times are turbulent, when the road is rough, what matters most is that which is permanent, timeless, enduring, and eternal,” he said.
Aside from thanking the National Guard for their role in ensuring “safety,” Trump did not directly address the protests that have been held across the country following the death of George Floyd.
Some background: As of June 12, almost 19,000 members of the National Guard are still activated to help with social unrest across the country.
The role of the National Guard regarding the Washington, DC, protests has come under scrutiny and is under review by the Department of Defense.
The President confirmed during Thursday remarks that the White House is finalizing an executive order on policing standards in the wake of national outcry over George Floyd’s death at the hands of police officers in Minnesota.
Trump said the order “will encourage police departments nationwide to meet the most current, professional standards for the use of force, including tactics for de-escalation.”
