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President Donald Trump accused Yamiche Alcindor, a White House correspondent for PBS NewsHour, of asking a “racist” question during press conference at the executive mansion on Wednesday.
Alcindor, the daughter of Haitian-born parents, questioned whether Trump’s use of the word “nationalism” while rallying ahead of the midterm elections was a coded way for him to reference White nationalism.
I’m simply asking the questions the public wants to know. https://t.co/bZ1cZVBKhd
— Yamiche Alcindor (@Yamiche) November 7, 2018
“On the campaign trail you called yourself a nationalist,” the reporter said. “Some people saw that as emboldening White nationalists. Some people say that now the republican party is supporting white nationalists because of your rhetoric.”
“That’s such a racist question,” Trump hit back at Alcindor. “What’s just said is so insulting to me. It’s a very terrible thing that you said.”
During a rally in Houston on Oct. 22, the president referred to himself as a nationalist and urged the crowd to bring back the word.
“You know, they have a word – it’s sort of became old-fashioned – it’s called a nationalist. And I say, really, we’re not supposed to use that word. You know what I am? I’m a nationalist, okay? I’m a nationalist. Nationalist. Nothing wrong. Use that word. Use that word.”
When asked about the word being aligned with white supremacist groups, Trump said that he did not know it to be used in that manner.
On Wednesday, he asked how the phrase could be a dog-whistle for racists when he has the support of African-American voters.
“Why do I have among the highest poll numbers with African-Americans? Why do I have my highest poll numbers?” Trump questioned Alcindor.
New Fox Poll shows a “40% Approval Rating by African Americans for President Trump, a record for Republicans.” Thank you, a great honor!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 4, 2018
The president posted a tweet on Sunday referring all the support he receives from Black people but according to several journalists, the poll does not exist.
There’s no new Fox poll saying this. It’s 100% false. Is Trump simply lying or is he so unhinged that he thinks it’s true? Here’s how far we’re fallen as a nation: We hope the president is dishonest instead of deranged. https://t.co/cXYxjmmBzX
— Mark Jacob (@MarkJacob16) November 4, 2018
Counter-point: This poll does not exist https://t.co/sw8cDhFEmy
— Judd Legum (@JuddLegum) November 4, 2018
Trump said he loves the United States and the world in explaining the difference between nationalists and globalists.
“I also love the world, and I don’t mind helping the world,” he said. “But we have to straighten out our country first. We have a lot of problems, excuse me, but to say that what you said is so insulting to me. It’s a very terrible thing that you said.”
Despite Trump not answering her question, Alcindor later tweeted that he appeals to White nationalists whether he believes so or not.
“I’ve personally interviewed white nationalists who say they are more excited by President Trump than other presidents in the past,” the reporter wrote. “Even if President Trump doesn’t intend it, some see him as directly appealing to racists.”
I’ve personally interviewed white nationalists who say they are more excited by President Trump than other presidents in the past. Even if President Trump doesn’t intend it, some see him as directly appealing to racists. https://t.co/nqJAmMs63y
— Yamiche Alcindor (@Yamiche) November 7, 2018
I’m simply asking the questions the public wants to know. https://t.co/bZ1cZVBKhd
— Yamiche Alcindor (@Yamiche) November 7, 2018
A note: I followed up the president calling my question “racist” with a policy question about his proposed middle class tax cut because that’s what journalists do. We press on. We focus on the privilege of asking questions for a living. We do the work.
— Yamiche Alcindor (@Yamiche) November 7, 2018
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