Asked why he keeps referring to the coronavirus as the Chinese virus, Trump says:
"It's not racist at all, not at all. It comes from China. That's why. It comes from China."
"It's not racist at all, not at all. It comes from China. That's why. It comes from China."
In asking her question, @CeciliaVega very importantly noted that there are many examples right now of discrimination against Chinese Americans because of this kind of rhetoric.
@CeciliaVega If I heard correctly, @CeciliaVega tried to direct a follow-up Q to the officials standing behind Trump -- including VP Mike Pence and Seema Verma, head of CMS -- if they are comfortable with this language. They stood there stoically.
@CeciliaVega To be clear, language like "Chinese virus" is racist, and it fuels racism in what is already a painful time for so many Americans.
It suggests that if you look Asian -- even if you are Asian American -- you are an "other" to be blamed. It is divisive and toxic.
It suggests that if you look Asian -- even if you are Asian American -- you are an "other" to be blamed. It is divisive and toxic.
It just gets worse. Trump is pressed about a White House official reportedly using the term "Kung-flu" and if language like "Chinese virus" puts Asian Americans at risk.
"No, not at all," he says. "I think they probably would agree with it a 100%. It comes from China."
"No, not at all," he says. "I think they probably would agree with it a 100%. It comes from China."
