After a gunman killed 49 people at two mosques in New Zealand and released a manifesto claiming to have been inspired by Donald Trump, Trump's reaction was concerning.
The attacks began at 8:40 p.m. Thursday 14 March 2019 in Washington's time zone. The next morning, ten hours later, Trump tweeted condolences... "My warmest sympathy and best wishes goes out to the people of New Zealand after the horrible massacre in the Mosques. 49 innocent people have so senselessly died, with so many more seriously injured. The U.S. stands by New Zealand for anything we can do. God bless all!"
...but, two hours after that, he was tweeting about his self-perception as a victim in the Mueller probe.
.....THIS SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN TO A PRESIDENT AGAIN!
— Unfollow Trump (@UnfollowTrump) March 15, 2019
Later in the day, Trump told reporters that he had not seen the shooter's manifesto (despite the fact that this manifesto referenced him and that he had pledged the support of "anything we can do"). He then referred to people crossing the U.S.-Mexico border as "invaders," the same word that the manifesto writer used to describe Muslims in New Zealand.
Trump also told the reporters that he does not believe that white nationalist activity is increasing. (It is, per the Southern Poverty Law Center, which says 2019 has "the highest number of hate groups we’ve ever counted.")
Coming from the man who made the Charlottesville "both sides" comment, we should not be surprised.
Several days earlier, according to an article in the Huffington Post,
"President Donald Trump warned in an interview [Breitbart, March 12] that his supporters could 'play tough' and make things 'very, very bad' if they 'reach a certain point.' He cited the police, military and Bikers for Trump as his backers."
In 2023
On November 2, 2023, Republicans introduced a bill to ban Palestinians from the US.
In 2024
Political situation in New Zealand (Bluesky)
