First Trump led the birtherism charge against Obama, knowing that he was wrong (2012 - 2016); then he said there were "very fine people on both sides," when discussing violence that erupted after several white nationalist groups marched in Charlottesville (2017); then he called himself a "nationalist" (2018); and now he has told four sitting Congresswomen of color to go back to their "countries whose governments are a complete and total catastrophe, the worst, most corrupt and inept anywhere in the world."
Trump has slowly tested what he can get away with saying in the public sphere, each time taking one step closer towards the white nationalists who prop him up. He is galvanizing the support of people who, if they could have their way, would have no people of color in this country. Republicans sit back and allow this to happen. People who claim they are not racist sit back and allow this to happen. Whether he believes what he is saying, or whether he is using white nationalists as a political tool to remain in power, the end result is unacceptable. He is inspiring racists. If you don't see what is wrong with Trump's comments, you are part of the problem.
These may just be words now, but they have significant consequences. Hate crimes are up significantly since his election. Congressmen and women see dramatic spikes in hate mail and death threats when he makes these comments. Ordinary people like me feel less safe in our day to day lives when he makes these comments. You don't have to support my politics, but you should support my humanity, and you should fight against racism, no matter who it is that makes racist remarks.
