EL PASO, Texas – What would normally be a routine mission to console victims of tragedy became mired in politics and division Wednesday as President Donald Trump touched down in the two cities reeling from mass shootings, Dayton, Ohio, and El Paso.

In both, Trump was met by a barrage of protesters, many toting signs demanding action to stop gun violence.

Trump largely avoided them by going straight to private meetings with survivors of the twin weekend massacres. But on Air Force One between the visits, he unleashed a tweet barrage saying Democrats had mischaracterized his visits with victims, families, first responders and medical staff.

He referred to televised remarks by Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley as "totally misrepresenting what took place inside the hospital" in Dayton where Trump held the meeting, which was not open to the media. He did not specify what was said in the remarks that resulted in his disapproval.

Brown later issued a statement in response: “I’ve said before Donald Trump is a bully and bullies are cowards. I don’t care what he says about me. But the people of Dayton deserve a President more focused on protecting them from gun violence than protecting his own ego.”

The visits came in reaction to the attack Saturday morning at an El Paso Walmart that killed 22 and injured many others by a suspect allegedly motivated by white supremacist views. Then another, unrelated attack early Sunday by another gunman wielding an assault rifle left nine dead and 26 injured in an entertainment district in Dayton.

The attacks came as Trump has been criticized recently for tweets and comments that detractors have seen as racially divisive.

In El Paso, attendees said they are furious that Trump's words have whipped up such hatred. Many wore shirts saying that neither racism nor Trump were welcome in El Paso.

Swallowing her newfound fear of being in a crowd, Marisela Hernandez, 23, brought her 6-year-old son, Phaeton, who held a homemade sign calling for “Policy & Change” instead of “Thoughts & Prayers.”

“I feel like I have to be here now. I can’t be a hypocrite and say I want change if I don’t show up for change,” said Hernandez, a stay-at-home mom. “If you don’t go out and make change and put in work, do you really want change? I never used to come to these things, but once it hit home it put things into perspective.”

Mayor Dee Margo said he would show up for the Trump visit to honor the office of president, not the current occupant.

Besides the protesters were some supporters. Ana Alise Simone, 19, of El Paso, came to the protest with her mom and sisters, toting a sign reading, “Thank you for coming President Trump.” Simone said she wanted show her appreciation for Trump visiting survivors.

“His visit, she said, is a “really kind gesture.”

A Baby Trump balloon and a group of sign-waving demonstrators greeted Trump in Dayton. Protesters said it only 24 hours for two organizers to raise more than $3,000 to bring the tethered protest symbol to the city's Miami Valley Hospital. On it was posted a banner saying, "Stop being a baby. Stand up to the NRA!"

Carina Dani and Megan Baxter organized the GoFundMe balloon campaign "so we can get Baby Trump and give our President the welcome he deserves." Additional money was earmarked for victims of the shooting.

Protesters carried placards that included "Do Something," "Just say No to Fascism," and "Protect kids, not guns."

At the El Paso park where protesters gathered, some held signs in English and Spanish. Members of Border Network for Human Rights wore T-shirts saying, “Racism not welcome. Trump not welcome.”

One sign in Spanish read, “we are united neighbors.” Another in English read, “Faith, love, hope. Repeat. #DoSomething”

The protest mood facing the president was echoed by a Facebook posting from Cassandra Hernandez, the City Council member representing the neighborhood where the shooting occurred. It was directed at Trump, saying he was not welcome "because you have dehumanized Hispanics and immigrants."

Rene Romo, 49, said the president's comments about an “invasion” of immigrants didn't go over well with many El Paso residents.

“It’s a touchy subject, with the city divided over whether he should come,” said Romo, as he watched memorial candles and balloons flutter in the morning wind outside the Walmart where the Saturday shooting occurred. “There is still a lot of anger in the victims over his words and whether his words inspired this man.”

Romo said he wants to see the president apologize, to say “I’m sorry” that his words contributed to the country’s divisions. “But we all know this president never apologizes,” said Romo, who is retired.

As he left El Paso, Trump said he had a great visit in both cities. Blaming the media for misportraying his trips, Trump said "the love, respect & enthusiasm were there for all to see."

Woodyard reported Los Angeles. Contributing: Molly Smith, El Paso Times.