Gov. Jay Inslee trolled President Donald Trump during a White House governors’ meeting, suggesting that arming teachers to prevent school shootings was a bad idea and that 45 engage in “less tweeting” and “more listening.”
In a video released Monday by Fox News, the president becomes visibly uncomfortable, crossing his arms over his chest and swaying as the Democrat governor leaned in, criticizing Trump’s suggestion from the previous week that arming “adept” teachers would prevent tragedies like the school shooting that killed 17 people in Parkland, Florida.
“Speaking as a grandfather, speaking as a governor of the state of Washington, I have listened to the people who would be affected by that,” Inslee said. “I have listened to biology teachers, and they don’t want to do that at any percentage. I have listened to the first-grade teachers, who don’t want to be pistol-packing first-grade teachers.”
The president’s proposal came under fire last week as people questioned why teachers would receive a bonus or other incentive for carrying firearms while other areas of public education lack resources.
Ashley Archibald is a Staff Reporter covering local government, policy and equity. Have a story idea? She can be can reached at ashleya (at) realchangenews (dot) org. Twitter @AshleyA_RC
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