Trump attacks ‘fake news media’ over coverage of Charlottesville remarks

President Trump is defending his remarks following the violence at a white supremacist rally in Virginia, blasting the “fake news media” as “truly bad people.”

“Made additional remarks on Charlottesville and realize once again that the #Fake News Media will never be satisfied…truly bad people!” Trump said.

Made additional remarks on Charlottesville and realize once again that the #Fake News Media will never be satisfied…truly bad people!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 14, 2017

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Trump declared Monday that “racism is evil” in remarks two days after one person was killed and at least 19 were injured in an attack at the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Va. He specifically called out the KKK, Nazis and other hate groups for their role in the violence.

“Racism is evil and those who cause violence in its name are criminals and thugs, including the KKK, neo-Nazis, white supremacists and other hate groups that are repugnant to what we hold dear as Americans,” Trump said in previously unscheduled remarks.

In his initial remarks following the violence Saturday, Trump did not specifically mention any hate groups and instead blamed “many sides.” 

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms this egregious display of hatred, bigotry and violence on many sides — on many sides,” Trump said at a press conference from his New Jersey golf course on Saturday.

Those remarks brought criticism from lawmakers in both parties.

Trump’s follow-up remarks followed the resignation of Merck CEO Kenneth Frazier from Trump’s American Manufacturing Council over his initial response to the events in Charlottesville.

“Our country’s strength stems from its diversity and the contributions made by men and women of different faiths, races, sexual orientations and political beliefs,” Frazier said in a statement that did not mention Trump by name.

“America’s leaders must honor our fundamental values by clearly rejecting expressions of hatred, bigotry and group supremacy, which run counter to the American ideal that all people are created equal,” he continued.

“As CEO of Merck, and as a matter of personal conscience, I feel a responsibility to take a stand against intolerance and extremism.”

Trump later attacked Frazier on Twitter, saying Merck would now “have more time to LOWER RIPOFF DRUG PRICES!”