On the evening of Tuesday, March 16, a shooter in Atlanta, Georgia killed eight innocent people, six of whom were Asian American women.
The tragedy has forced many Americans to acknowledge the long and continuing history of anti-Asian racism in the United States.
During a recent Press Conference, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki drew attention to former President Trump's comments on the pandemic which featured several Asian slurs.
According to Psaki, these comments "played a role" in the spike of hate crimes against Asians we are now witnessing.
Psaki says "there's no question" that Trump's "damaging rhetoric" about Asians played a role in the spike of hate c… https://t.co/JDAFFOVb4i— Aaron Rupar (@Aaron Rupar) 1616011175.0
Twitter was in total agreement with Psaki.
In fact, many had warned about the inevitable violence that would be caused by Trump making his offensive remarks.
Definitely! https://t.co/KarbkSsXXf— Chris B. 🇩🇪 😷 😈 🌊 (@Chris B. 🇩🇪 😷 😈 🌊) 1616013017.0
Anyone disagree?? Nope. https://t.co/O7UyhJtQm8— 🌸 Diann w/ no e. 🌸 (@🌸 Diann w/ no e. 🌸) 1616049440.0
Trump's rhetoric often encouraged his fans to follow their worst impulses and it has not changed.
@RawStory Of course he did and his basket of followers were paying rapt attention to his vitriol— lizn513 (@lizn513) 1616024006.0
Racist rhetoric from the President was always parroted by conservative media outlets like Fox News and OAN.
@TheTweetOfJohn @UROCKlive1 Fox News was more than happy to spread it so more people will be inspired to the same.… https://t.co/vjMQEF8xIa— Alice Stevens (@Alice Stevens) 1616022350.0
Trump is the largest source and endorser of hate in this country! https://t.co/eeNTYvyPf0— The Suburban Bitch🌊🌈 (@The Suburban Bitch🌊🌈) 1616015518.0
110% https://t.co/pDS4A6nofi— Tea Pain (@Tea Pain) 1616012579.0
Twitter was ashamed the actions of a former President could be directly linked to such a horrifying act of violence.
This is #Trump's #America https://t.co/SsrifjYOp8— Trisha Mortimore (@Trisha Mortimore) 1616032026.0
Yes!!! He is responsible for the state in which this country is in. He should have NEVER been president. Hate is ev… https://t.co/kKbc3FGOYB— Maria Dominguez (@Maria Dominguez) 1616014617.0
Racism is still very much alive in America and many believe it is on the rise.
@RawStory And White House Press Secretary Jan Psaki is absolutely right. As so we're Trump's words in Charlottesvil… https://t.co/dQdd00B5qc— Ronnie Price (@Ronnie Price) 1616012707.0
@RawStory We need to figure out a way to flush away the Hate Donald Trump has ignited in America! We cannot survive… https://t.co/neMbuV6kPK— WHSCI (@WHSCI) 1616012191.0
Thankfully, President Trump's removal from office and bans from social media have lowered the impact of his hateful rhetoric, but the damage he did will likely follow American culture for many years to come.