Candidate Donald Trump famously kicked off his 2016 presidential campaign by calling Mexican immigrants rapists and murderers.
As President, he's enacted some of the most heartless immigration policies in modern American history.
So naturally, Trump went on a bizarre diatribe about his love for Hispanic people while speaking at a rally in Rio Rancho, New Mexico on Monday night.
It began when Trump singled out Trump 2020's Hispanic Advisory Council member Steve Cortes, remarking that Cortes looked too white to actually be Hispanic. Trump then asked Cortes if he loved "the country or Hispanics" more.
Trump continued:
"[Cortes] says the country. I don't know, I may have to go for the Hispanics to be honest with you. We got a lot of Hispanics! We love our Hispanics."
Watch below.
President Trump asks his supporter Steve Cortes in the middle of the rally: "Who do you like more, the country or t… https://t.co/jswIYZ76JN— Salvador Hernandez (@Salvador Hernandez) 1568686203.0
It's not the first time Trump claimed to "love Hispanics."
Remember this?
Monday night's exchange stood out in its weirdness during what was already the style of rambling rally that Trump has become famous for throwing.
Cortes stood by Trump, but even he had to admit the diatribe was awkward.
Re: the President’s comments to me last night at the rally — awkward phrasing but he was merely trying to point out… https://t.co/QbJjrZxKNy— Steve Cortes (@Steve Cortes) 1568732407.0
But most weren't as forgiving.
Trump asked tonight whether Steve Cortes likes Hispanics or America more and proceeded to say that Cortes “looks mo… https://t.co/9SQ4Zcsf3d— Anthony Michael Kreis (@Anthony Michael Kreis) 1568691535.0
@SalHernandez I don’t know what more he could possibly do to prove he is a racist & doesn’t want Hispanics in this… https://t.co/qtrBMbv4Sh— Julia T. (@Julia T.) 1568726911.0
@SalHernandez Apparently, @realDonaldTrump doesn't consider Hispanics, who settled here before Anglos, as part of the country.— Earl Brewer III (@Earl Brewer III) 1568702200.0
@SalHernandez I hope the Hispanics that were @realDonaldTrump event had the good sense to know that they were being… https://t.co/aLxld3gEZj— Bobby Entzminger (@Bobby Entzminger) 1568689684.0
@SalHernandez That so-called 29% Hispanic who’s voting for trump, this is what he really think of you. You might lo… https://t.co/jLfIvVzBCi— Joanna (@Joanna) 1568688801.0
But anyway, happy Hispanic Heritage Month.
If you want your children to learn more about Latinx history, the book A Kid's Guide to Latino History: More than 50 Activities is available here.
********
Listen to the first four episodes of George Takei's podcast, 'Oh Myyy Pod!' where we explore the racially charged videos that have taken the internet by storm.
Be sure to subscribe here and never miss an episode.