Trump Supports Cops, Doesn't Mention Jacob Blake In Kenosha Visit

KENOSHA, WI — President Donald Trump avoided questions on systemic racism and structural change, instead focusing on "law and order" during a what the White House described as a "roundtable on Wisconsin community safety" Tuesday afternoon in Kenosha.

"Kenosha has been ravaged by anti-police and anti-American riots," Trump said, not once mentioning Jacob Blake by name, who was shot by police in the city on Aug. 23.

"I feel terribly for anybody who goes through that," Trump did say, when questioned about Blake and his family.

Trump said he met with a few of the business owners whose stores have been damaged or demolished during riots that have occurred as a response to the Blake shooting. He specifically mentioned Rode's Camera Shop, a 109-year-old business, and B&L Furniture, among others.

"We are going to get Kenosha back in shape," Trump said, pledging $1 million of funding to law enforcement in the city and nearly $4 million to help small businesses rebuild.

Also On Patch: Scenes From President Trump's Visit To Kenosha

The president referred to recent unrest, such as throwing bricks at police officers, as "not acts of peaceful protests, but domestic terror."

He again blamed "far left" politicians for the unrest.

Trump was joined in the roundtable by Attorney General William Barr, who said an investigation into the Blake shooting is ongoing.

"We do not allow judgments to be reached by mob violence," Barr said. "The violence that erupted after the shooting was an illegitimate response to a police shooting. It was the hijacking of a protest by a violent group of radicals."

Trump confirmed with reporters he did not meet with Blake's family but did talk with the family pastor.

But Blake's father, Jacob Blake Sr., has told CNN that the family does not have a pastor and that he does not know who Trump spoke with.

"It's a complicated subject," Trump said of the Blake shooting. "As you know it is under investigation."

Questions from reporters at the roundtable on systemic racism were followed with Trump's assertion that there is not a problem with law enforcement in America other than a few "bad apples."

"I think police do a great job," he said.

Trump's discussion came amid a Kenosha visit that included meeting with police and surveying property damage. He was scheduled to leave the area shortly after 3 p.m.