Trump Tells Protesters 'Don't Be Afraid', Calls for Hate Crimes to Stop

President-Elect Donald Trump urged Americans not to be afraid of his presidency Sunday as thousands of Americans continue to demonstrate against him and his victory.

“I would tell them don’t be afraid, absolutely,” Trump said in an interview with CBS News’ ’60 Minutes.’

“Don't be afraid. We are going to bring our country back. But certainly, don't be afraid,” he continued, wondering whether there would be a “double standard” against his supporters had Hillary Clinton won the election.

Before the interview, Trump sent out tweets on the protests. His first message Thursday night blamed professional protesters and the media for inciting unrest.

In a second message sent nearly nine hours later Friday morning, he praised the demonstrators' passion.

Protesters began marching against Trump early Wednesday morning as Trump declared victory, and have continued throughout the week.

In Portland, Oregon, protests against Trump quickly devolved into a riot, where one protestor was shot early Saturday morning.

In other cities, protesters have focused on Trump-owned properties, including Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue in New York City, and the Trump International Hotel in downtown Washington, DC.

Trump said he was “surprised” to hear about the hate crimes, racial slurs and threats from some of his supporters after the election, but told them to “stop it.”

“I am so saddened to hear that. And I say, ‘Stop it.’ If it-- if it helps. I will say this, and I will say right to the cameras: Stop it.”

Trump said he is committed to reforming Washington, despite appointing numerous lobbyists to the transition team preparing his administration.

“They know the system right now, but we're going to phase that out. You have to phase it out,” he said, adding that he will only take a salary of $1 as president.

Trump said he was surprised by his victory on Election Night, when the enormity of his achievement and the next four years began to sink in.

“I’ve done a lot of big things,” he said. “I’ve never done anything like this.”

He said he discussed the “tough situation” in the Middle East with President Obama in the Oval Office Thursday, and said they also discussed North Korea and Obamacare.

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