President of the United States Donald Trump attacked what he described as the ‘very, very violent alt-left’ during remarks Tuesday regarding the violence that occurred in Charlottesville, VA. He insists the blame for the events surrounding the influx of white supremacists, neo-Nazis and Klan members should be taken on by both sides in Charlottesville and attempted to deflect claims that the side with the tiki-torch wielding protesters were racist.
Trump’s comments quickly earned reactions from citizens, news media personalities and (as always) the nation’s lawmakers.
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe responded swiftly to Trump’s Charlottesville remarks. McAuliffe rejected Trump’s “both sides” argument and called for the president to demonstrate leadership.
VA Gov. Terry McAuliffe comes out swinging after Trump's press conference on Charlottesville. pic.twitter.com/CPizsHq1k5
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) August 15, 2017
Criticism of Trump’s framing of the domestic terror attack arrived online from both Republicans and Democrats of every level of office. The fierceness of rebuke doled out varies, but there is some noticeable pushback.
“Blaming “both sides” for #Charlottesville?!” tweeted GOP U.S. Rep Ileana Ros-Lehtinen “No. Back to relativism when dealing with KKK, Nazi sympathizers, white supremacists? Just no.”
Blaming "both sides" for #Charlottesville?! No. Back to relativism when dealing with KKK, Nazi sympathizers, white supremacists? Just no.
— Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (@RosLehtinen) August 15, 2017
I was clear about this bigotry & violence over the weekend and I'll repeat it today: We must defeat white supremacy and all forms of hatred. https://t.co/iOaVvE8txs
— Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) August 15, 2017
Charlottesville violence was fueled by one side: white supremacists spreading racism, intolerance & intimidation. Those are the facts.
— Tim Kaine (@timkaine) August 15, 2017
The organizers of events which inspired & led to #charlottesvilleterroristattack are 100% to blame for a number of reasons. 1/6
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) August 15, 2017
As a Jew, as an American, as a human, words cannot express my disgust and disappointment. This is not my President.
— Brian Schatz (@brianschatz) August 15, 2017
We must be clear. White supremacy is repulsive. This bigotry is counter to all this country stands for. There can be no moral ambiguity.
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) August 15, 2017
@POTUS must stop the moral equivalency! AGAIN, white supremacists were to blame for the violence in #Charlottesville.
— Charlie Dent (@RepCharlieDent) August 15, 2017
Off prompter and in his own words, the president gives comfort to white supremacists and neo-Nazis. Absolutely horrifying.
— Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) August 15, 2017
By saying he is not taking sides, Donald Trump clearly is. When David Duke and white supremacists cheer, you’re doing it very very wrong.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) August 15, 2017
President @realDonaldTrump, standing in a city built by people of every race, creed and faith, just defended white supremacists.
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) August 15, 2017
.@realDonaldTrump, you are embarrassing our country and the millions of Americans who fought and died to defeat Nazism.
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) August 15, 2017
White supremacy, bigotry & racism have absolutely no place in our society & no one – especially POTUS – should ever tolerate it. Full STMT: pic.twitter.com/dufC1MGWgB
— Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) August 15, 2017
"We should never hesitate to call out hate. Whenever and wherever we see it." -OGH https://t.co/Zy2YaJwFlV #Charlottesville #utpol pic.twitter.com/Kqe8SLp70z
— Senator Hatch Office (@senorrinhatch) August 15, 2017
“We cannot accept excuses for white supremacy and acts of domestic terrorism. We must condemn them. Period,” said Arizona Republican Sen. Jeff Flake on Tuesday in what’s been an avalanche of response to Trump’s campaigns.
If past behavior is any indication, it’s unlikely we’ve heard the last of Trump providing his two cents on the media response to Charlottesville.