Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) is calling for a correction from President Trump after he refused to condemn white supremacists and told the Proud Boys to "stand by" during the first 2020 presidential debate.
Scott, the only Black Republican in the U.S. Senate, reacted Wednesday to Trump during Tuesday's presidential debate not condemning white supremacists when asked to do so and telling the Proud Boys, a far-right extremist group, to "stand back and stand by." Scott said he believes Trump "misspoke" but that he should correct the remarks.
"I think he misspoke in response to Chris Wallace's comment," Scott said, per CNN. "He was asking Chris what he wanted to say. I think he misspoke. I think he should correct it. If he doesn't correct it, I guess he didn't misspeak."
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
When Wallace asked Trump during the debate if he would be willing to condemn white supremacists and tell them to "stand down," Trump said he's "willing to do" so. But Trump then asked Wallace "who would you like me to condemn," and when former Vice President Joe Biden suggested the Proud Boys, Trump said, "Proud Boys, stand back and stand by."
Trump campaign press secretary Hogan Gidley on Wednesday told CNN the Proud Boys is a "reprehensible group" and that Trump wants them "to get out of the way." Trump, however, has yet to offer a clarification of his remarks, and White House Communications Director Alyssa Farah told Fox News there isn't "anything to clarify" about what he said.
Trump faced criticism for his failure to specifically condemn white supremacy and the Proud Boys including on Fox News, and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who helped the president prepare for the debates, on Wednesday told Good Morning America that "the next opportunity" Trump has to "clarify that answer," he "should do that." Brendan Morrow
-
‘A legacy news brand brings a visibility of its own’Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
8 of the best ‘cozy crime’ series of all timeThe Week Recommends Murder mysteries don’t necessarily have to make us miserable, and these shows have perfected a feel-good crime formula
-
Youth revolts rattle Morocco as calls against corruption grow louderTHE EXPLAINER Snowballing controversy over World Cup construction and civic services has become a serious threat to Morocco’s political stability
-
Israel intercepts 2nd Gaza aid flotilla in a weekSpeed Read The Israeli military intercepted a flotilla of nine boats with 145 activists aboard along with medical and food aid
-
Japan poised to get first woman prime ministerSpeed Read The ruling Liberal Democratic Party elected former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi
-
Israel and Hamas meet on hostages, Trump’s planSpeed Read Hamas accepted the general terms of Trump’s 20-point plan, including the release of all remaining hostages
-
US tipped to help Kyiv strike Russian energy sitesSpeed Read Trump has approved providing Ukraine with intelligence for missile strikes on Russian energy infrastructure
-
Netanyahu agrees to Trump’s new Gaza peace planSpeed Read At President Trump's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, they agreed upon a plan to end Israel’s war in Gaza
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of TaiwanIn the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Moldova gives decisive win to pro-EU partySpeed Read The country is now on track to join the European Union within five years
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdownIN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
