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Trump's credentials on white nationalism

Trump, who as a candidate proposed a ban on all Muslims entering the US, has been criticised as being slow to condemn white supremacy and related violence.

DONALD TRUMP'S WHITE NATIONALISM REPORT CARD:

* Played down any threat posed by white nationalism after the gunman accused of the New Zealand mosque massacre called the president "a symbol of renewed white identity".

The 28-year-old Australian white nationalist who hates immigrants mentions the US president in a single reference in his manifesto.

"Were/are you a supporter of Donald Trump?" was one of the questions he posed to himself. His answer: "As a symbol of renewed white identity and common purpose? Sure. As a policy maker and leader? Dear god no."

* After a 2017 clash between white nationalists and anti-racist protesters in Charlottesville, Virginia, that left one demonstrator dead, Trump said there were "very fine people on both sides" of the confrontation.

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* Did not immediately reject the support of David Duke, a former KKK Grand Wizard, during his presidential campaign.

* In Florida, Cesar Sayoc, who had decorated his van with Trump propaganda, was accused of mailing explosives last (northern) autumn to Democratic Party officials and media members, many of whom had been criticised by the president. The president said Sayoc had been "insane" long before he became a Trump fan.

* Last month, a former Coast Guard official was accused of stockpiling weapons in a plot to kill media figures and liberal politicians as part of a plan to transform the US into a white ethno-state. It took more than a week for Trump to respond to the plot, which he deemed "a shame".


2 min read

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Source: AAP



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