Trump stays in underground bunker amid violent protests at the White House

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• President Donald Trump was brought to a White House bunker on Friday night for security as hundreds of protesters flocked outside the executive mansion.
• The first family was reported to be overwhelmed by the volume and rage of the demonstrators, according to a Republican official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
• Amid ongoing protests across the country, Trump continued to deliver partisan attacks and tweet provocative remarks.

President Donald Trump was rushed to a bunker of the White House on Friday night by Secret Service agents as hundreds of protesters rallied outside the executive mansion, and some violently clashed with the authorities.

According to a Republican, who was close to the White House, but was not authorized to publicly discuss private matters, Trump spent almost an hour in the bunker — which was validated by another administration official. Both sources spoke on the condition of anonymity.

According to the Republican, the first family was overwhelmed by the volume and rage of the protesters. There were no details, though, if first lady Melania Trump and their 14-year-old son, Barron, were also brought in the bunker.

In line with what the Security Service said that it does not disclose its protective measures to the public, White House spokesman Judd Deere said, “The White House does not comment on security protocols and decisions.” 

Despite concerns over his safety, Trump gave commendations to the Secret Service for doing its job both in private and public.

On Saturday, Trump went to Florida to see the first manned space launch from the US in almost a decade. His return to the White House was welcomed by demonstrators rallying just a few hundred yards away. The protesters were believed to have spent much of the night within the vicinity. They came back Sunday afternoon and had a face-off against the police at Lafayette Park until evening.

Trump continued efforts to post toughness, delivering partisan attacks and tweeting provocative remarks amid the national crisis.

On Sunday, the president retweeted a message from Buck Sexton, a conservative commentator urging authorities to utilize greater force. The tweet said, “This isn’t going to stop until the good guys are willing to use overwhelming force against the bad guys.” 

Recently, the White House security has been reinforced by National Guard and additional forces from the US Park Police and Secret Service. The Justice department also deployed members of the US Marshals Service and agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration on Sunday, according to a senior Justice Department official.

The president’s move to the bunker was first reported by The New York Times.