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Donald Trump links job numbers to a ‘great day’ for George Floyd

President Donald Trump hoped on Friday that George Floyd was looking down from heaven "saying this is a great thing that is happening for our country."

Estados UnidosUpdate:
Donald Trump links job numbers to a ‘great day’ for George Floyd

The United States President, Donald Trump, held a press conference on Friday and was keen to share some good news amid the coronavirus pandemic and the protests over George Floyd’s death. Trump said that the month of May started strong as the economy had added 2.5 million jobs, bringing the unemployment rate down to 13.3% from 14.7% in April.

Trump suggests 'great day' for Floyd

“Hopefully George Floyd is looking down right now and saying this is a great thing that is happening for our country,” said Trump during his press conference. “It’s a great, great day in terms of equality.”

Reopening the economy has always been Donald Trump’s main focus during this pandemic and he has even pressured governors to reopen the states sooner rather than later. So when he announced the surprise increase in jobs and the slight decrease in unemployment, it felt like the president was taking a victory lap during this press conference - although it was more a statement as no questions were fielded - as he made claims that the US was now through the Covid-19 crisis.

The coronavirus pandemic has killed over 105,000 people in the United States although the curve has flattened allowing many states to reopen their economy. As well as jobs, Trump also talked about the racial injustice and police brutality linked to the death of George Floyd 10 days ago, who was killed while in the custody of the Minneapolis police that has provoked protests all over the country.

“Equal justice under the law must mean that every American receives equal treatment in every encounter with law enforcements regardless of race, color, gender, or creed. They have to receive fair treatment. We all saw what happened and we can’t let that happen. Hopefully George is looking down right now and saying this is a great thing that's happening for our country,” said Trump.

It was not entirely clear to those listening whether Donald Trump was referring to Floyd hopefully being happy to see unemployment rates decreasing in the country or how people have come together in the world to demand justice. Records show that it is only white employment that has seen a positive change and either way, many believe the president's words showed a lack of understanding and empathy.