Protesters take on Trump after he refuses to firmly condemn neo-Nazi violence
- Text by Biju Belinky
- Photography by Timothy Fadek
This week, hundreds of people who oppose Donald Trump’s presidency have been protesting in New York City. These demonstrations – which happened on both Monday and Tuesday – called for his impeachment, and stemmed largely from indignation at the president’s refusal to directly condemn those involved in the far-right, white supremacist rally that took place this weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia.
On Saturday, violent attacks were inflicted against anti-fascist and anti-racist counter-protesters, including the brutal beating of a young black man with a baseball bat. At one point, 20-year old drove through the crowd, leaving one counter-protestor dead and 19 injured.
The president, who is usually quick to tweet about most things, took his time responding to this open display of hate from the right wing white nationalists, which involved the slogans such as “Jews will not replace us”, as well as the chanting of a Nazi motto, “blood and soil.”
Yesterday, only a day after condemning the racist groups involved in Charlottesville, Trump went on a shambolic press conference, declaring that “both sides” were to share blame – making a distinction by calling one of the sides “bad” and the other “very violent.” Continuing, he declared that there were people among the white nationalist groups who might’ve been “nice.”
His statements received glowing reviews from former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke, who thanked the president for condemning “the leftist terrorists in BLM/Antifa.”
As of now, the protests continue throughout the world. The nonviolent demonstrators have been reported to have made themselves heard through chants such as “No Trump, No KKK, No Fascist USA” and “shame shame shame.”
Twitter account It’s Going Down has been keeping tabs on actions being taken to support Charlottesville around the world. This post on Refinery29 has also helpfully compiled a list of resources on how to help the victims and continue fighting back. Finally, there is also a public Google Doc, compiling a series of resources about accountability and ways to support those affected and the organisations who make a difference.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Latest on Huck
The legendary trans artist & illustrator behind Drag magazine
A new book brings together pioneer Vicky West’s luminous illustrations of fantasy, femininity and fashion.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Why did police taser a Bristol grandfather in the face?
Trailblazing documentary I Am Judah chronicles community champion Ras Judah Adunbi’s horrific treatment at the hands of the police and his fight for justice.
Written by: Maisy Hunter
In photos: Ghana’s complex e-waste industry
A new exhibition explores the country’s huge, unregulated industry, which can be hazardous to workers’ health and the local enviroment, yet provides economic opportunity to many.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Meet Corbin Shaw, Huck 81’s Artist in Residence
The Sheffield born artist talks about the people and places that shaped his practice for the latest issue of Huck.
Written by: Josh Jones
The Blessed Madonna: “Dance music flourishes in times of difficulty”
The DJ talks about her debut album ‘Godspeed’, connection and resistance on the dance floor, the US election and more alongside exclusive pictures from her album release party.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Revisiting the birth of skate culture in 1970s Los Angeles
New photobook ‘Last Days of Summer: California Skateboarding Archive 1975–1978’ looks back at an iconic chapter of youth culture.
Written by: Miss Rosen