Donald Trump’s upcoming rallies are causing controversy for two big reasons, racial tensions, and COVID-19 concerns. The Late Show’s Stephen Colbert broke down why the timing of these rallies, locations, and lack of coronavirus prevention measures are raising questions. The Late Show staff wrote:
“Trump Openly Insults Black Americans By Scheduling MAGA Rally On Juneteenth In Tulsa, OK… It’s difficult not to suspect race-baiting in the Trump campaign’s choice of date and location for the President’s return to in-person campaign rallies.”
And here’s part of what Colbert said about the first rally:
“He’s revving up his summer campaign tour, with rallies in Florida, Oklahoma, Arizona, Texas, and North Carolina. He misses walking out to a large crowd that he didn’t tear gas. His first rally takes place in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on June 19, also known as Juneteenth, an annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. And 99 years ago this month, Tulsa was the site of one of the country’s bloodiest outbreaks of racial violence, when white mobs attacked black citizens and businesses with guns and explosives. To be fair, there’s no way Trump knows that much American history. I’m pretty sure he just told Stephen Miller “pick the most offensive date and place.”
And here’s what Colbert said about the threat of coronavirus looming over the rallies:
“Obviously, any public gathering is a public health risk due to coronavirus. still, the Trump campaign is unlikely to put into place any social distancing measures for rally attendees or require them to wear masks. But as a precautionary measure, every attendee will be provided a syringe full of bleach. But Trump’s defending bringing everyone together for a big-time spittle-fest. His advisers say that the recent black lives matter protests in metropolitan areas will make it harder for liberals to criticize him. No, it’s still easy to criticize him. here, watch! Black lives matter protesters overwhelmingly wear masks. and they weren’t protesting against wearing masks. Trump is specifically saying no masks. Though he might make an exception for a hood. Another difference is that the Black Lives Matter protests are outdoors, where COVID spreads less easily, and Trump’s rallies are almost always indoors.”
Watch Colbert’s full monologue above.