trump projects his own racism onto black reporter

Belligerent as ever, Donald Trump held a press conference yesterday from the White House and it was more than a little unhinged. From yelling at CNN’s Jim Acosta and defaming his character to ordering American Urban Radio Network bureau chief April Ryan to sit down when she tried to ask a question, The Orange One was on one yesterday.

Perhaps the most bizarre of these exchanges was with Yamiche Alcindor of PBS NewsHour. The seasoned reporter and White House correspondent pressed the President on his self-described “nationalism” and the fact that white nationalists (rightfully) interpret that as white supremacy.

“Some people saw that as emboldening white nationalists. Now people are also saying…” Alcindor began, but the question barely passed her lips before Trump’s patchy finger jutted towards her accusingly: “I don’t know why you say that, that is such a racist question.”…..okay?

Mark Wilson/Getty Images

Pressing further, Alcindor pointed to the culture of white supremacy within the party and the fact that party leaders have done nothing to discourage and distance themselves from hateful rhetoric and policies.

“There are some people who say that now the Republican Party is seen as supporting white nationalists because of your rhetoric, what do you say about that?”

In his own defense, Trump chided that some of his highest numbers were amongst African-Americans (false) and that those numbers had never been higher (probably false). He can’t be racist; some of his biggest supporters are Black! Watch the fiasco, below, if you have the stomach for it.

President Trump to @Yamiche: “That’s a racist question.” pic.twitter.com/4bgrMjQFZk

— CSPAN (@cspan) November 7, 2018