Markey calls Trump ‘scum’ over comments on George Floyd protests

Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) lashed out at President Trump on Monday, calling him “scum” and accusing him of “fueling” racism and hatred in America amid protests over the death of George Floyd.

Donald trump is scum for fueling racist hate and violence in our country.

— Ed Markey (@EdMarkey) June 1, 2020

The tweet is among some of the harshest criticism from lawmakers Trump has taken thus far regarding the protests surrounding the death of Floyd, an unarmed black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis while handcuffed. An officer, who was later fired and charged with murder, was seen on video of the arrest with his knee on Floyd’s neck for several minutes as Floyd pleads for help, saying he can’t breathe.

Trump has tweeted in support of Floyd’s family but otherwise spent much of the last few days urging a tougher response from state leaders against the demonstrations.

He took bipartisan heat last week for denouncing protesters as “thugs” and warning “when the looting starts, the shooting starts.” 

On Monday, the president told governors they need to “dominate” activists and “take back” the streets.

Markey, who is up for reelection in November, is currently facing a primary challenge from Rep. Joe Kennedy (D-Mass.), a well-funded bid that outraised Markey’s team in the last quarter of 2019.