Western States Center Responds to President Trump on COVID-19 Protests
Eric Ward, executive director of Western States Center, issued the following statement in response to far-right protests against social distancing and supportive tweets from President Trump:
“President Trump is pouring gasoline on the flames of hate and resentment. His tweets from earlier today are as irresponsible as his remarks about ‘very fine people on both sides’ in Charlottesville.
“The in-person protests against social distancing popping up around the nation are reckless, misguided and a threat to public health. Many of the organizers espouse far-right and anti- government views and see COVID-19 as an organizing opportunity. Their hyperbolic rhetoric and use of Nazi imagery to criticize common-sense public health policies is offensive and deeply out of touch with the best interests of Americans.
“Many vulnerable communities are genuinely suffering in this crisis. I hope our country – starting with President Trump – will set aside paranoid fears and focus on helping those disproportionately impacted by the virus and resulting economic turmoil.”