PHOTOS: President faces protests on visit to cities hit by mass shootingsPresident Trump defended hi

PHOTOS: President faces protests on visit to cities hit by mass shootings

President Trump defended his rhetoric Wednesday as he headed out to offer a message of healing and unity in El Paso and Dayton, where he faced hostility from people who fault his own incendiary words for contributing to last weekend’s mass shootings.

The mayors of both cities called for Trump to change the way he talks about immigrants. Multiple protests were planned, and Democratic presidential candidates continued to criticize him, including former Rep. Beto O’Rourke, who will address a counter-rally in his hometown of El Paso during the president’s visit.

Trump denied his rhetoric had anything to do with the violence, claiming instead that he “brings people together. Our country is doing incredibly well.” As he left the White House, Trump strongly criticized those who say he bears some responsibility for the nation’s divisions, returning to political arguing even as he called for unity. (AP)

Photography by Alessio Putzu/Caters News

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