From ‘Day of Joy’ to ‘Hit Back Harder’: Trump’s Shift on Violence Against Police

Critics call out the former president’s double standard as he cracks down on Los Angeles protesters while pardoning those who attacked Capitol police on Jan. 6.

Photograph: Leah Millis/Reuters

Donald Trump has taken a dramatically different approach to law enforcement violence depending on the context — and who the aggressors are.

In response to recent protests in Los Angeles, Trump has taken a hard-line stance, threatening swift retaliation against anyone who harms police officers. “IF THEY SPIT, WE WILL HIT, an…