Did Trump say there were good people on both sides about Charlottesville?
Explanation
Yes, President Donald Trump did say there were "very fine people on both sides" in response to the violent events that occurred during the August 2017 rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. This statement has been widely documented and is a subject of significant controversy. At a press conference following the rally, which involved white nationalists and counter-protesters, Trump remarked that while he condemned the violence, he believed some of the individuals rallying against the removal of a Confederate statue were good people. His phrasing suggested an equivalence between the white nationalists and the counter-protesters, which many interpreted as an attempt to legitimize the presence of extremists. This quote has been frequently referenced in discussions regarding Trump's handling of race and extremism in America. The controversy surrounding his comment has persisted, affecting public perception and discussions about race relations in the U.S.
Key Points
- Trump stated there were 'very fine people on both sides' regarding the Charlottesville rally.
- His comments were made during a press conference where he addressed the violence that erupted.
- The phrase has been used to criticize Trump’s approach to white nationalism and race relations.