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.
Reuters’ Jeff Mason reports the visit lasted “about a minute or two.” Trump did not make a speech.
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 –