Trump defends tweets supporting anti-lockdown protests

US President Donald Trump has responded to criticism over his Tweets supporting anti-lockdown protests in three states.

During his White House briefing, he defended his Tweets that urged to “liberate” Virginia, Minnesota and Michigan, claiming the Democratic governors are being "too tough" while implementing the stay-at-home orders.

"What they've done is very powerful. You know you could get the same result with doing a little bit less," he explained.

On Thursday, Trump said he was sympathetic to the demonstrators, but "they seem to be protesters who like me... my opinion is just about the same as all of the governors".

Several people have protested against the stay-at-home orders, claiming they are unreasonably limiting movement and affecting the economy.

This comes as the country records more than 710,000 positive cases and over 37,000 deaths.