KENOSHA — President Donald Trump tweeted Wednesday that Governor Tony Evers has accepted federal assistance in Kenosha.
The assistance comes as protests continue in Kenosha over the police shooting of Jacob Blake.
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On Tuesday, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said Governor Evers had turned down assistance from the federal government. Now, however, President Trump is saying he has accepted help.
"My team just got off the phone with Governor Evers who agreed to accept federal assistance," wrote President Trump in a tweet. "TODAY, I will be sending federal law enforcement and the National Guard to Kenosha, WI to restore LAW and ORDER!"
We will NOT stand for looting, arson, violence, and lawlessness on American streets. My team just got off the phone with Governor Evers who agreed to accept federal assistance (Portland should do the same!)...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 26, 2020
Meadows had initially said he called Evers Tuesday and offered to send more National Guard troops to assist but Evers refused.
“We have National Guard standing by, that if the general for the National Guard needs additional help, we’re there to do it. But today, that request was denied by the governor,” said Meadows.
Those troops are being sent Wednesday, according to the President.
...TODAY, I will be sending federal law enforcement and the National Guard to Kenosha, WI to restore LAW and ORDER!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 26, 2020
The additional troops will work to control the unrest in Kenosha that has led to two deaths and a large amount of building damage.
