Steve Kerr slams Donald Trump for turning protests into political spectacle as ICE raids spark intense debate

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr has been a longstanding critic of US President Donald Trump. On Wednesday, Kerr once again spoke out against Trump, this time on the President’s handling of protests in the state of California.

In an interview with The San Francisco Standard, Kerr criticized Trump’s deployment of National Guard members and Marines to quell protests in Los Angeles. The protests, which began on June 6, were sparked by sentiments against the ICE raids leading to the deportation of immigrants.

“So this is obviously just a classic page out of Trump’s playbook: Create a crisis in order to look like you’re solving it, using it as a political win, creating further divide,” Kerr said. “It’s so disappointing that we don’t have a president that’s actually focused on uniting us, and instead just continuing the divide that is happening in our country.”

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Kerr, recognized as one of the 15 Greatest Coaches in NBA history, criticized Trump's decision to overrule California Governor Gavin Newsom, as deployment of the National Guard is usually reserved for gubernatorial requests. Kerr argued that California could manage the protests without federal intervention.

"Peaceful protest is one of the sacred rights in our country,” Kerr added. “The protests themselves are as American as apple pie as long as they don’t turn violent."

During the presidential campaign leading up to the 2024 elections, the multi-titled Warriors head coach appeared at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) to endorse Trump's opponent Kamala Harris. In his DNC appearance, Kerr mimicked Steph Curry's viral celebration by urging voters to tell Trump "night night" on November 5.

Trump ended up winning a second term in the White House, but Kerr remains undeterred in dishing out criticism when he sees fit.

Steve Kerr on tenure as Warriors head coach: "At this point, I'm year to year"

Two years before Donald Trump won his first term as President, Steve Kerr was already the head coach of the Warriors. In 11 seasons, he has won four NBA titles with the franchise and witnessed Steph Curry become the NBA's all-time leader in 3-point shooting.

Shortly after the Warriors' playoff elimination by the Timberwolves, Kerr commented on his future:

"At this point, I'm year to year. I love my job. It's so much fun...But I know where the team is, I know where the organization is. So I'm perfectly comfortable just going year by year at this point."

Interestingly, Kerr's current contract expires before the final year on Curry's deal. It's possible, of course, that Kerr and Curry will agree to play one final season together before a new era in the Warriors franchise dawns.

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About the author

Simoun Victor Redoblado

Simoun Victor Redoblado is an NBA and WNBA journalist at Sportskeeda with over 12 years of experience writing for publications such as Collider, ALL-STAR Magazine, and Sir Charles in Charge.

Simoun has a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education, Major in English and Minor in journalism. Thanks to the journalism courses that he took, Simoun understood the fundamentals of journalistic storytelling in the context of sports writing.

Passionate for the UP Fighting Maroons, Simoun is a fan of the NBA, PBA, UAAP, and FIBA.
His childhood team was the Chicago Bulls and Simoun was a longtime supporter of the Houston Rockets because his friends would say he looked like Yao Ming.

Simoun loves the systematic, tactical movement of the ball and the players, the stories behind each individual competing on the hardcourt and most of all, how basketball is a sport for life and all its struggles and lessons.

A father of two, Simoun spends his free time with his kids.

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