McCarthy pushes back against Trump’s calls for protests: ‘We want calmness out there’

During a press conference, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy responded to former President Donald Trump’s recent call for protests if he is indicted by advocating for “calmness” and warning against violence. McCarthy stated, “I don’t think people should protest this, no. We want calmness out there.” Trump had previously urged his followers to “Protest, take our nation back,” in response to reports that he may be indicted by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg for allegedly paying hush money to porn actress Stormy Daniels. McCarthy attempted to clarify Trump’s statements, suggesting that Trump meant to “educate” people about the situation rather than incite violence.

While some, like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, argued that Americans have the right to protest and assemble, McCarthy and other members of leadership were against it. Greene, a strong Trump supporter, criticized the investigation as “corrupt” and a “witch hunt” and defended McCarthy’s response, stating that she had “said the same thing” as him but also emphasized that any protests must be peaceful.