Don Lemon calls Donald Trump racist, dividing the internet

Heather Gardner
·Video Producer, Yahoo Entertainment

“The president of the United States is racist.” Yes, Don Lemon went there last night with that line as the opening statement of his show, CNN Tonight, and boy, did he cause a storm.

Now, Lemon’s controversial declaration did not come unwarranted; it came after the Washington Post reported Donald Trump called several countries, including Haiti and Nigeria, “sh****le” countries. In an Oval Office meeting about a bipartisan immigration on Thursday, the president allegedly grew frustrated with lawmakers when discussing immigrants from Haiti, El Salvador and African countries. “Why are we having all these people from sh****le countries come here,” Trump reportedly said. The president then allegedly suggested the United States could instead have immigrants from other countries, such as Norway.

Lemon then gave his opinions on the meeting and the alleged use of the word. The internet blew up with varying responses to the CNN host calling the president racist. To Trump supporters, Lemon had no right to make assumptions about the president; to the Trump haters, Lemon is a hero.

Celebrities also weighed in giving their outspoken opinions on Trump’s alleged comments. Unsurprisingly, they were not in support, many even backed up Lemon’s declaration.

And as you can imagine, late night talk show hosts had a field day with the news.

Trump has since denied making those comments via Twitter. “Never said anything derogatory about Haitians other than Haiti is, obviously, a very poor and troubled country. Never said ‘take them out.” Made up by Dems. I have a wonderful relationship with Haitians. Probably should record future meetings – unfortunately, no trust.”

However, Democratic Whip and Illinois senator, Dick Durbin, was in the room during the meeting and confirmed the report. In a press conference this morning, Sen. Durbin said the president, “said things which were hurtful, vile, and racist. You’ve seen the comments in the press. I’ve not read one of them that was inaccurate.”

Well, you know where the internet stands. How do you feel about the comments and the responses?

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