President Trump called protesters demanding an end to the lockdown "responsible people” - hours after encouraging demonstrations in Michigan, Minnesota and Virginia.

Trump had earlier called for the “liberation” of the Democrat-run states in a series of incendiary tweets. The president admitted Thursday it was up to governors to reopen their states amid the COVID-19 pandemic, claiming 29 were close to ending their lockdowns.

Asked about the protesters Friday, Trump said: "These are people expressing their views. They seem to be very responsible people [...] they’ve been treated a little bit rough."

Hours before his conference, Trump tweeted "LIBERATE MINNESOTA." He then added, "LIBERATE MICHIGAN!" in a second tweet. In a third tweet, he said: "LIBERATE VIRGINIA."

All three states are run by Democratic administrations and all three are likely swing states in November’s election.