Tumultuous week in US rattles allies around the globe

U.S. allies around the world have reacted with shock at the death of George Floyd and President Trump’s threat to use military force to crack down on protests, dealing another blow to their already bruised relationship with Washington.

Their alarm was illustrated by a press conference Tuesday by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, held one day after Trump used pepper balls and smoke bombs to disperse a crowd protesting Floyd’s death in front of the White House. Asked about his response to the forcible removal of demonstrators, Trudeau paused for 21 seconds before answering.

“We all watch in horror and consternation at what is going on in the United States,” he told reporters. “It is time to pull people together.” Continue reading.