President Trump has offered strong support for protesters in Iran, urging them to 'take over your institutions' and condemning violence against them. However, his response to demonstrations in Minnesota has been sharply different, labeling local protesters as 'anarchists' and threatening retribution. This contrast highlights a pattern in Trump's approach to dissent: he praises movements aligned with his interests, while dismissing or condemning those that challenge him.

The administration has blocked investigations into the shooting of a protester by a federal agent in Minnesota, rationalizing the incident and sending more federal officers to the state. Trump's selective support for democracy and human rights abroad is evident in his actions in Venezuela and his rhetoric toward other countries, often shaped by personal relationships and interests.

Critics argue that Trump's stance on protests and state violence is situational, defending crackdowns in countries he opposes while justifying force against domestic dissenters. His administration's handling of recent protests and its broader approach to foreign policy underscore the improvisational and transactional nature of his presidency.