Donald Trump stood before TV cameras today to make a third attempt at an appropriate response to the display of bigotry and hatred in Charlottesville over the weekend that included violence, Nazi displays and the death of one woman peacefully marching against hate. Two Virginia troopers also were killed in a helicopter crash.
Trump had first said Saturday there was blame to be placed on “many sides.” Sunday, an unnamed Whtie House aide issued a statement that said the white nationalists were meant to be included in the condemnation. The neo-Nazis themselves have seen Trump’s failure to specifically castigate them as a victory. And when a top pharmaceutical executive quit a presidential advisory council today because of Trump’s failure to denounce the bigots, Trump blasted the executive on Twitter.
Trump opened his remarks from the White House today by touting his economic record. Then he provided an “update” on the federal response to the “horrific attack and violence.”
He vowed those who acted criminally in “racist violence” will be “held accountable.” He read a statement that condemned the “egregious display of bigotry,
His critics are already saying the statement rings hollow given campaign and recent events.