President Donald Trump reacted on Twitter on Thursday following the FBI's Thursday announcement of charges against 13 men tied to a plot to kidnap Michigan’s Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
The men were tied to a militia group planning on overthrowing Michigan’s duly elected government.
President Trump tweeted late Thursday that "rather than say thank you" for the work of the FBI, he says Whitmer called him a "white supremacist" before he unloaded on Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and the Democratic party. He ended his three-tweet response with "I do not tolerate ANY extreme violence."
Governor Whitmer of Michigan has done a terrible job. She locked down her state for everyone, except her husband’s boating activities. The Federal Government provided tremendous help to the Great People of Michigan. My Justice Department and Federal Law Enforcement announced...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 9, 2020
...today that they foiled a dangerous plot against the Governor of Michigan. Rather than say thank you, she calls me a White Supremacist—while Biden and Democrats refuse to condemn Antifa, Anarchists, Looters and Mobs that burn down Democrat run cities...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 9, 2020
...I do not tolerate ANY extreme violence. Defending ALL Americans, even those who oppose and attack me, is what I will always do as your President! Governor Whitmer—open up your state, open up your schools, and open up your churches!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 9, 2020
Joe Biden issued a statement moments after Trump's tweet was released.
"There is a throughline from President Trump’s dog whistles and tolerance of hate, vengeance, and lawlessness to plots such as this one. He is giving oxygen to the bigotry and hate we see on the march in our country," Biden's statement read.
Earlier in the day, Whitmer accused Trump of sowing division. During the midst of coronavirus-related shutdowns in the spring, Trump tweeted “LIBERATE MICHIGAN.”
"This should be a moment for national unity where we all pull together as Americans to meet this challenge head-on," Whitmer said.
She said Trump refused to condemn white supremacists and hate groups, comparing them to the militia groups involved in the kidnapping plot.
"When our leaders speak, their words matter," Whitmer said. "They carry weight."
Earlier in the day, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said that Trump has spoken out against white supremacists.
“President Trump has continually condemned white supremacists and all forms of hate," wrote White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany in a statement. "Governor Whitmer is sowing division by making these outlandish allegations. America stands united against hate and in support of our federal law enforcement who stopped this plot."