Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers said President Trump's presence in his state may prevent healing from a wave of civil unrest.
In a letter made public Sunday, Evers pleaded with Trump to reconsider a planned trip to Kenosha, Wisconsin, on Tuesday. Among his reasons, the Democratic governor said the visit may worsen social divisions and require massive security resources that should be focused on protecting Kenosha citizens.
"I, along with other community leaders who have reached out, are concerned about what your presence will mean for Kenosha and our state. I am concerned your presence will only hinder our healing. I am concerned your presence will only delay our work to overcome division and move forward together," Evers wrote.
“It is our job as elected officials to lead by example and to be a calming presence for the people we know are hurting, mourning, and trying to cope with trauma. Now is not the time for divisiveness. Now is not the time for elected officials to ignore armed militants and out-of-state instigators who want to contribute to our anguish," the governor continued.
Trump is scheduled to visit Kenosha to meet with law enforcement and survey the damage done during more than a week of protests and riots.
Despite the letter from Evers, Trump said in a tweet Monday morning that he still planned to go to the city.
"If I didn’t INSIST on having the National Guard activate and go into Kenosha, Wisconsin, there would be no Kenosha right now. Also, there would have been great death and injury. I want to thank Law Enforcement and the National Guard. I will see you on Tuesday!" the president said.