In a prewritten speech which he read off the teleprompter–butchering only a few words (“to-tally-terry-tism”, “bowering”, “limberty” “ulis-see-e-us”)–President Trump declared that “there is a growing danger that threatens every blessing our ancestors fought so hard for.”
In a supposed reference to efforts of Americans to remove honors bestowed upon Confederate soldiers (who fought to destroy the United States) and other people who promoted racist ideology, Trump stated “our nation is witnessing a merciless campaign to wipe out our history”–though history will still be taught in school and books will still be available.
He also claimed this effort will “defame our heroes, erase our values and indoctrinate our children,” eliciting boos from the pro-Trump crowd bedecked in MAGA hats and waving Trump banners.
Trump vowed to deploy “federal law enforcement officers” to protect monuments.
“Today, we will set history, and history’s records, straight,” Trump declared, without providing any evidence of the corruption of US history.
Trump also declared that the country “would soon be greater than ever before,” perhaps referring to the upcoming election in which he trails his Democratic opponent, Joe Biden.
It is not clear if this was an official speech from the Office of the President paid for with US tax dollars or if this was a Trump campaign rally.