In days of discord, a president fans the flames

As America is reeling from 100,000 pandemic deaths, 40 million unemployed and cities erupting in flames of rioting, Donald Trump's bellicose leadership is winning few friends.

People watch as a Cleveland police cruiser burns during a protest on Saturday seeking justice in the death of George Floyd. AP

Peter Baker

May 31, 2020 – 2.30pm

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With a nation on edge, ravaged by disease, hammered by economic collapse, divided over lockdowns and even face masks and now convulsed once again by race, President Donald Trump's first instinct has been to look for someone to fight.

Over the past week, America has reeled from 100,000 pandemic deaths, 40 million people out of work and cities in flames over a brutal police killing of a subdued black man in Minneapolis, Minnesota.