WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the tearing down of monuments and statues throughout the United States is "sad," referring to the recent removal of numerous statues dedicated to leaders of the Confederacy.
"Sad to see the history and culture of our great country being ripped apart with the removal of our beautiful statues and monuments," Trump stated in a message on Twitter.
Sad to see the history and culture of our great country being ripped apart with the removal of our beautiful statues and monuments. You…..
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 17, 2017
Trump said that one cannot change history, but can learn from it, and he once again warned that the country could decide next to take down statues of Presidents George Washington or Thomas Jefferson.
…can't change history, but you can learn from it. Robert E Lee, Stonewall Jackson — who's next, Washington, Jefferson? So foolish! Also…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 17, 2017
Trump also stated that "the beauty that is being taken out of our cities, towns and parks will be greatly missed and never able to be comparably replaced!"
…the beauty that is being taken out of our cities, towns and parks will be greatly missed and never able to be comparably replaced!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 17, 2017
Trump initially said he condemned the violence, speaking about racism and bigotry on "many sides." On Monday, the US president clarified his statement, expressing clear condemnation of white supremacists and other hate groups. However, Trump's remarks on Tuesday appeared to backtrack from his statement the day earlier as he blamed "both sides" for the violence.
