WATCH: Asked About Sharp Rise in Anti-Semitic Acts Trump Begins to Talk About His Electoral College Numbers
The President Did Not Once Mention Anti-Semitism by Name
President Donald Trump at a joint press event with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel was asked about the “sharp rise” in anti-Semitic attacks in the U.S., and about his administration “playing with xenophobia” and “racist tones.” He responded by launching into a talk about his Electoral College victory, then saying he will stop crime in America, then talking about his Jewish daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren.
“Well, I just want to say that we are, you know, very honored by the victory that we had, 306 electoral college votes. We were not supposed to crack 220. You know that, right? There was no way to 221, but then they said there’s no way to 270. There was tremendous enthusiasm out there,” Trump said.
“And there’s this tremendous enthusiasm out there. I will say that we are going to have peace in this country. We are going to stop crime in this country. We are going to do everything in our power to stop long-simmering racism and every other thing that’s going on.”
The president did not once mention anti-Semitism by name, and in fact looked like he was struggling to find a way to not mention it.
Trump went on to talk about the “bad things” that “have been taking place over a long period of time.” He went back to the election, saying he won because of division in America.
“Very divided and hopefully, I’ll be able to do something about that. And I – you know, something that was very important to me,” he said.
Trump went on to talk about his daughter Ivanka, who converted to Judaism and married Jared Kushner, whom Trump has brought into his administration as a senior advisor.
“As far as people, Jewish people, so many friends, a daughter who happens to be here right now,” Trump said, motioning to the audience. “A son-in-law, three beautiful grandchildren.”
He concluded by saying “you’re going to see a lot of love.”
During the inauguration Trump promised that “the crime and the gangs” would stop “today,” and that this “American carnage stops right here and stops right now.”
Watch:
Trump is asked about sharp rise in anti-Semitic incidents across the US
He starts his answer by talking about his electoral college victory pic.twitter.com/8NFq8B28md
— Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) February 15, 2017
Before this question, Trump was also asked about Michael Flynn, his now-former National Security Advisor whom he fired. Trump attacked the media as “fake” and denounced how Flynn, whom he fired, had been treated.Â
Â
Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.