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Trump and Pence Spend ‘About a Minute or Two’ at MLK Memorial After Media Criticism

President Donald Trump, after criticism over doing nothing to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., has just made a surprise visit to the King Memorial in Washington, D.C. He was accompanied by Vice President Mike Pence.
WATCH: President Trump and Vice President Pence visit the MLK Memorial in Washington, D.C. https://t.co/lb2RTpUiLK pic.twitter.com/ih2zB0ZqVW
— CBS News (@CBSNews) January 21, 2019
Reuters’ Jeff Mason reports the visit lasted “about a minute or two.” Trump did not make a speech.
.@realDonaldTrump and @VP lay a wreath at the #MLKJr memorial. After saying good morning, he left. Total trip time: about a minute or two. pic.twitter.com/KZgctfrX5B
— Jeff Mason (@jeffmason1) January 21, 2019
NCRM reported earlier Monday that for the second year in a row, and unlike all his predecessors since Martin Luther King, Jr. Day became an official federal holiday, had nothing planned to lead by example in observing the day.
Previous presidents have honored Dr. King by framing the day as a national day of service,” as President Barack Obama called it. All volunteered, at places like schools and senior centers.
Trump used his presidential proclamation as a campaign opportunity to brag about what he sees as his successes for the Black community.
UPDATE: 12:07 PM ET –
Per the pool reporter, here’s what Trump said during a visit of “approximately two minutes” to the MLK memorial in Washington: “Good morning, everybody. Great day. Beautiful day. Thank you for being here. Appreciate it."
— Daniel Dale (@ddale8) January 21, 2019
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