The only black Republican in the U.S. senate praised President Donald Trump on Monday for delivering a “heartfelt” message in response to the civil unrest sparked by the death of George Floyd, Fox News reported.
Trump addressed the nation from the White House on Monday, acknowledging the grievances of protesters while promising to restore law and order.
“We need to hear more like that”
“I think they lead us in the right direction,” Scott said of the president’s remarks, according to Fox. “We need to hear more like that from the president because frankly, the country rallies around our chief executive when he speaks about bringing the American family together.”
Critics have expressed concern over Trump’s rhetoric, suggesting it indicates he could use excessive force against peaceful protesters. In his remarks, however, he said his intention was to prevent those “righteous cries” from being “drowned out by an angry mob.”
Scott believes this approach can be effective for the Trump administration.
“I certainly give the president all the credit in the world on the comments he made…that were leaning in on passion for the folks who feel the justice system [is] not working for them,” Scott added, as Fox reported.
He went on to praise the work of National Guard troops deployed in some states to help restore peace.
“Order is necessary for us to actually have the conversation about Mr. Floyd,” Scott said.
Others, including U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, have pushed back against Trump’s vow to call for military action on U.S. soil if necessary, NBC News notes.
As Americans continue to see violence and destruction in states across the nation, however, a get-tough policy from the White House will resonate with many of the president’s supporters.