Washington, D.C. — Neera Tanden, president and CEO of the Center for American Progress, released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s latest remarks regarding the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia:
Progressives in this country have one aim: to expand the circle of equality and opportunity in America.
The alt-right movement aims to do the opposite. It seeks to shut out those who look or pray differently than them. It is a movement of white supremacy that traffics in the images of Nazis and the KKK to oppress people of color and those they consider different.
The people in Charlottesville who opposed the alt-right movement should not be attacked by the president. They should be applauded for standing up for American values of equality and inclusion. Many were injured—and one person died—defending the idea that all people are created equal.
While it is unconscionable that an American president would defend the actions of neo-Nazis and white supremacists, President Trump is right on one thing: Progressives will not stop our charge for fairness, equality, and inclusive policies. Americans of every political stripe and creed who condemn hate will be charging alongside us.
For more information or to speak with an expert, contact Allison Preiss at [email protected] or 202.478.6331.