Michigan lawmakers, including Republicans, took to social media to condemn President Trump’s assertion Tuesday that “both sides” were to blame for racial violence this weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia.
In a press conference, Trump spoke about a clash between white nationalists, including the KKK, and protesters over plans to remove a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Trump said the “alt-left” shares blame for violence that left one woman dead and said some “very fine” people participated in the rally.
No members of Michigan’s congressional delegation defended the remarks and fellow Republicans lambasted the president, using his preferred social medium, Twitter.
I think America needs more unity and less divisiveness…meaning @realDonaldTrump should focus more on golf & have less press conferences.
— Dave Trott (@repdavetrott) August 16, 2017
Let me be clear: There are no ‘very fine’ white supremacists. My full statement: https://t.co/BYLJlwT2P2
— Fred Upton (@RepFredUpton) August 16, 2017
“Very fine people” do not participate in rallies with groups chanting racist and anti-Semitic slogans and displaying vile symbols of hate.
— Justin Amash (@justinamash) August 15, 2017
There aren’t “2 sides” when it comes to hate. Only right & wrong. It’s shameful that @RealDonaldTrump can’t find the courage to say it.
— Debbie Stabenow (@stabenow) August 15, 2017
Absolutely shameful for POTUS to defend white supremacists & neo-nazis. Only appropriate response is total condemnation of hateful acts
— Gary Peters (@Peters4Michigan) August 16, 2017
The President of the United States should not have to be publicly shamed into condemning neo-Nazis and white supremacists.
— Rep. Dan Kildee (@RepDanKildee) August 14, 2017
“Both sides” did not carry Nazi flags, drive a vehicle into innocent people or bring hatred to the streets of VA. There is no “both sides.”
— Rep. Debbie Dingell (@RepDebDingell) August 16, 2017
Trump’s rhetoric is dangerous and continues to embolden these extremist groups and ideals.
— John Conyers, Jr. (@RepJohnConyers) August 16, 2017
Others didn’t weigh in on the president’s remarks but condemned the violence and white nationalists.
These bigoted acts should be condemned and denounced by all Americans! pic.twitter.com/LWxAreFInj
— Rep. Jack Bergman (@RepJackBergman) August 13, 2017
The violence in Charlottesville over the weekend, and the hatred behind it, is abhorrent. pic.twitter.com/iMfPIT7yEF
— Rep Tim Walberg (@RepWalberg) August 14, 2017
What happened in Charlottesville was a disgusting display of bigotry and hate by white supremacists. Violence, racism cannot be tolerated.
— Mike Bishop (@RepMikeBishop) August 13, 2017
A statement on unity from Gov. Rick Snyder: pic.twitter.com/nqQO4AWPkP
— Governor Rick Snyder (@onetoughnerd) August 14, 2017
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