Trump refuses to take position on George Floyd death but says he will get 'full' report on the incident

President has said he has the legal authority to intervene in any federal criminal matter

Donald Trump did not take a position on whether four former Minneapolis police officers who were fired after the death of George Floyd should be prosecuted, saying he and Vice President Mike Pence will get a "full" report on the incident on Thursday.

The president on Wednesday called it a "sad day," telling reporters travelling with him to a SpaceX rocket launch of two NASA astronauts into space in Florida – delayed at the last minute until Saturday – he is slated to receive a "very full report" on the matter the next day.

When a reporter asked if he thinks the four fired officers should be prosecuted, Mr Trump just said his administration will "look at it."

Mr Trump has referred to himself in the past as the country's "top law enforcement officer". Previous chiefs executive have given that role to their attorneys general, aiming to stay out of criminal matters to avoid politicising them.

Not Mr Trump.

He frequently tells reporters he has the power to intervene in any criminal case being prosecuted or investigated by the Justice Department. His current AG, William Barr, has both done little to dissuade his boss while at other times saying Mr Trump's threats to intervene make it hard for him to do his job.

Mr Floyd, who was black, died in hospital on Monday after officers arrested him, and one kneeled on his neck.

The Minneapolis Police Department later confirmed that four officers were terminated after national condemnation of their actions, which were seen in one viral video -- and soon played over and over on cable news and social media sites.

Another video surfaced on Wednesday showing Mr Floyd's final moments, which contradicts a Minneapolis police statement that suggested Mr Floyd had "resisted" arrest. That caused the officers to force him to the ground, where he eventually lost his breath.

Police have used tear gas to tamp down protests following Mr Floyd's death.