This morning, President Trump lowered the bar on his presidency once again, when he used his Twitter account to peddle fear and distrust toward millions of American Muslims, and 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide.
Trump shared multiple anti-Muslim videos from Britain First, an ultranationalist far right, neofascist group whose leader was convicted last year of attacking a Muslim woman. His endorsement of bigotry and persecution is a betrayal of his position and of our national values.
“We all deserve better than a president who spreads conspiracy theories and pushes lies about millions of its own citizens, the kind of lies that endanger real lives of everyday Americans,” said ICSC Board Chair Hedab Tarifi. “We are grateful to Mayor Garcetti and our civic and interfaith partners for embracing Muslim Angelenos and standing by our side against such bigotry — and we will continue to stand together to defend the rights of all Angelenos and Americans to live and pray as they choose, free of fear.”
When Trump attacked Muslims and called to ban them from entering the United States on the campaign trail, hate crimes against Muslims rose by nearly 20%. Compare that to what happened when President George W. Bush voiced respect for Islam and American Muslims following the 9/11 attack. Hate crimes dropped by nearly 20 percent.
Despite President Trump’s rhetoric we know our country is greater than what he represents and we will continue to work for a better America for all people.
May God guide us all as we strive only in His cause.