Trump Denies Racist Tweets Were Racist

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President Donald Trump claims to ‘not have a racist bone’ in his body after his tweets calling for four congresswomen of colour to ‘go back’ to their ‘crime-infested countries’ were met with widespread condemnation. 

Earlier this week, Trump targeted Democratic representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, and Ayanna Pressley – commonly known as ‘The Group’ – in a series of disparaging tweets.

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As all of the women are American citizens, and all, except for Omar, were born in the US, the president’s comments have been accused of having serious racist and xenophobic overtones.

Despite a national and international backlash, Trump doubled down on his statements earlier today (July 16) insisting his tweets ‘were NOT racist’.

In a number of characteristic tweets, the defiant president wrote:

Those Tweets were NOT Racist. I don’t have a Racist bone in my body! The so-called vote to be taken is a Democrat con game. Republicans should not show “weakness” and fall into their trap. This should be a vote on the filthy language, statements and lies told by the Democrat…..

Trump also accused the women of hating their country, while making reference to Omar and Cortez’s polling ratings:

…..Congresswomen, who I truly believe, based on their actions, hate our Country. Get a list of the HORRIBLE things they have said. Omar is polling at 8%, Cortez at 21%. Nancy Pelosi tried to push them away, but now they are forever wedded to the Democrat Party. See you in 2020!

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It’s not the first time Trump has defended his tweets this week.

While taking questions from reporters at the ‘Made in America Product Showcase’ this morning (July 15), reporters asked Trump about his controversial remarks pointing out that people saw the tweet as racist, adding that white nationalist groups may find common cause with him on the point.

Yet Trump has denied being worried because he believes many people ‘agree’:

It doesn’t concern me because many people agree with me. And all I’m saying — they want to leave, they can leave. Now, it doesn’t say, ‘Leave forever.’ It says, ‘Leave if you want.’

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While Trump remains unapologetic about his comments, there has been a growing outrage online.

Actor Chris Evans spoke out against Trump’s ‘hateful’ and ‘racist’ statements, as well as political officials in the US and UK. The four congresswomen have also publicly hit back at the president’s words via a press conference and social media.

Responding to directly to Trump’s recent tweet, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez replied:

You’re right, Mr. President – you don’t have a racist bone in your body.

You have a racist mind in your head, and a racist heart in your chest.

That’s why you violate the rights of children and tell the Congresswoman who represents your home borough, to “go back to my country.”

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L'Oreal Blackett

L’Oréal Blackett is a freelance journalist, broadcaster, and presenter with a lot of hair and a lot to say. A former digital magazine editor covering women’s issues and local news, she now works for a range of media publications including BBC Radio Manchester, Bumble and of course, UNILAD.