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.


Russian strikes kill 12 in Kyiv as Ukraine runs low on air defences
25 dead, 100 injured in clashes at Sri Lanka prison, sources say
Six killed in India's Mumbai as rains wreak havoc, disrupt travel
Thousands evacuated from homes in southwest France as wildfire burns
Folarin Balogun to play for US after FIFA suspends red-card ban