Prof. Richard Painter Quoted in New York Times About Trump’s Opposite Views of Protesters

Professor Richard Painter, S. Walter Richey Professor of Corporate Law, was quoted in a New York Times news analysis by Peter Baker who writes that Donald Trump has opposing views of protesters — those who take to the streets supporting a cause he favors [in Iran] are laudable heroes, while those who take to the streets to oppose him [in the U.S.] are illegitimate radicals. The author quoted a former State Department official who said, “He [Trump] justifies state violence against protesters who challenge him or his policies, and promises protection when he thinks demonstrators can hurt his adversaries.” In light of Trump’s threat to use military force to protect Iranian protesters, Baker quoted Prof. Painter who wrote on X, “Does this mean Iran or some other country can attack the USA because ICE gunned down a protestor in Minneapolis? Of course not, but that’s because we’re bigger than they are. Might makes right is what international law is becoming these days.”