Trump news: President defends teenager accused of murdering protesters and accuses Biden of ushering in fascism

Donald Trump defended Kenosha shooting suspect Kyle Rittenhouse, saying the teenager was trying to get away and "probably would have been killed". In a late afternoon press conference, the president accused Joe Biden of appeasing the Antifa mob's mafia-like tactics that would ultimately lead the country toward fascism.

The series of claims came after Joe Biden earlier accused Trump of inciting violence for years, saying during a campaign stop in Pittsburgh that there would be more violence under a second Trump term.

The focus on law and order came after an Antifa member allegedly gunned down a Trump supporter in the streets of Portland, with the city's mayor Ted Wheeler joining Biden in placing the blame for the country's violence on Trump.

The president's day started after a tirade against "crime infested" cities as part of his election strategy to sow discord among Republican and Democrat voters.

He announced on Monday the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice had established a joint operations centre to investigate violent, left-wing violence. More than 200 people have already been arrested for rioting, looting and arson in cities controlled by the "the Joe Biden Party", with more than 100 in Portland alone.

As the president prepared to visit Kenosha on Tuesday, he said he would not visit the family of Jacob Blake because they wanted lawyers involved. While Wisconsin Governor warned the president his presence could prevent healing, Mr Trump countered that he could have the opposite effect and increase enthusiasm, love and respect for the country.