Trump has tweeted that Asian Americans are “angry at China.”
At yesterday’s White House briefing, Asian American CBS reporter Wenjia Jiang asked the president why he claims that the US is outperforming other countries in Coronavirus testing.
“Why does that matter?” the reporter asked. “Why is this a global competition when, every day, Americans are still losing their lives?”
“They’re losing their lives everywhere in the world,” Trump said. “And maybe that’s a question you should ask China. Don’t ask me, ask China that question, OK?”
Jiang responded, “sir, why are you saying that to me, specifically?”
The president replied, “I am not saying it specifically to anybody. I am saying it to anybody who would ask a nasty question like that.”
Jiang then stated, “that is not a nasty question,” before being cut off by the president.
Trumps remarks sparked controversy with many calling him out for racism.
“Another disgraceful, racist, temper tantrum by Trump b/c he was asked a pointed question by @weijia” tweeted Tara Setmayer.
Democratic congressman Ted Lieu tweeted: “Asian Americans are Americans. Some of us served on active duty in the US military.”
“Some are on the frontlines fighting this pandemic as paramedics and healthcare workers. Some are reporters like [Jiang]. Stop dividing our nation.”
Another disgraceful, racist, temper tantrum by Trump b/c he was asked a pointed question by @weijia
Classy move by @kaitlancollins to allow her to follow up to challenge Trump’s obnoxious “ask China” comment.
Trump can’t handle smart, assertive women. @Honestly_Tara https://t.co/kOshBWFh2G
— Tara Setmayer (@TaraSetmayer) May 11, 2020
Dear @realDonaldTrump: Asian Americans are Americans. Some of us served on active duty in the U.S. military. Some are on the frontlines fighting this pandemic as paramedics and health care workers. Some are reporters like @weijia. Stop dividing our nation.#trumppressconference https://t.co/SnyYVEgL3r
— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) May 11, 2020
After being called out for racism towards Asian Americans, Trump tweeted that the demographic group is angry at China too.
“Asian Americans are VERY angry at what China has done to our Country, and the World,” he tweeted.
“Chinese Americans are the most angry of all. I don’t blame them!”
Asian American model Mia Kang replied, “this tweet is proof you make shit up and live in your own world of delusion. Just so false.”
Kim’s Convenience star Simu Liu simply tweeted back, “No.”
Although President Trump has since stated that the virus is “not the fault of Asian Americans”, he previously came under fire for repeatedly referring to the virus as “Chinese”.
Asian Americans are VERY angry at what China has done to our Country, and the World. Chinese Americans are the most angry of all. I don’t blame them!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 12, 2020
This tweet is proof you make shit up and live in your own world of delusion. Just so false.
— Mia Kang (@MissMiaKang) May 13, 2020
No.
— Simu Liu (@SimuLiu) May 13, 2020
