Politics

Kayleigh McEnany: Trump Believes ‘Instances’ Of Police Racism Have Occurred But Majority Of Officers ‘Are Good People’

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 05: U.S. President Donald Trump conducts a bill singing ceremony with members of his economic team in the Rose Garden at the White House June 05, 2020 in Washington, DC. In the midst of nationwide protests against the death of George Floyd, the U.S. Labor Department announced the unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, a surprising improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Christian Datoc Senior White House Correspondent
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White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters gathered at Monday’s press briefing that President Donald Trump believes there have been “instances” of racism-fueled police brutality and violence but still believes the overwhelming majority of officers are “good people.”

“The president has been clear there’s injustices in society,” McEnany said in response to a question from CNN’s Kaitlan Collins. “Noting the Sandra Bland video was absolutely horrible. Noting George Floyd, there’s a civil rights investigation into that.” (EXCLUSIVE: Trump’s National Guard ‘Surge’ Allowed George Floyd Protesters To ‘Demonstrate Safely,’ White House Says)

White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany holds a press briefing at the White House in Washington, DC, June 8, 2020. - Democratic lawmakers knelt in silent tribute to George Floyd in the US Congress on June 8, 2020 before unveiling a package of sweeping police reforms in response to the killing of African Americans by law enforcement. (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany holds a press briefing at the White House in Washington, DC, June 8, 2020. – Democratic lawmakers knelt in silent tribute to George Floyd in the US Congress on June 8, 2020 before unveiling a package of sweeping police reforms in response to the killing of African Americans by law enforcement. (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

“He definitely believes there are instances of racism, but he believes our law enforcement are the best in the world,” she continued. “He believes by and large they are good people.”

“The 750 who were injured defending this country from rioters and antifa in the streetps as to be distinguished from the peaceful protesters, those 750 officers who were hurt defending our country were heroes. As was David Dorn, a police officer that lost his life, and Patrick Underwood who also lost his life in the last week or so.”

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McEnany further stated that the president remains open on principle to signing into law legislation offered by House Democrats on police reform but considers certain provisions within the current version as non-starters, including reduced immunity for officers. She added that Democrats have yet to send the text of the bill to the White House for review.

Finally, the press secretary explained that Trump has been reviewing various law enforcement reform proposals over the weekend and that the White House would soon be making an announcement on the issue.