Trump’s Messy Presser | Ep. 363
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Controversy
President Trump's press conference sparked significant controversy due to his remarks on Antifa and the alt-right. notes that while Trump condemned violence on both sides, his focus on the "alt-left" drew criticism for seemingly equating their actions with those of white supremacists 1. Shapiro argues that Trump's comments on historical figures like Robert E. Lee and George Washington were not entirely incorrect, but his failure to consistently denounce neo-Nazis and white supremacists was problematic 2.
The president of the United States had to do more than anything else was stick by his statement of Monday.
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This inconsistency, according to Shapiro, provided the alt-right with undue validation.
Delayed Condemnation
Trump's delayed condemnation of the alt-right following the Charlottesville incident raised questions about his moral responsibility. Shapiro criticizes Trump's claim of needing to "see the facts" before condemning neo-Nazis, pointing out that he has historically not waited for facts before making statements 3.
The president of the United States has a moral responsibility to say not only that white supremacists and neo Nazis are terrible and believe terrible things, but that the alt right is terrible.
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Shapiro emphasizes that Trump's hesitance to disassociate from groups that claim him as an ally is concerning, particularly given the influence of figures like Steve Bannon 4.
Press Conference
The press conference was marked by Trump's fiery rhetoric and the media's intense scrutiny. Shapiro describes the event as "unnecessary and ridiculous," criticizing Trump's failure to maintain a consistent moral stance 5. While some commentators acknowledged factual points in Trump's statements, Shapiro argues that these were overshadowed by his morally questionable actions 6.
I want him to do the ethically right thing. I want him to come out and condemn the alt right.
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Shapiro calls for Trump to clearly denounce both Antifa and the alt-right, stressing the need for ethical leadership.