The mask is off. For decades, white political leaders in the U.S. have masked their racism, subtly stoking white voters’ racial fears, grievances, and even hatred of those whose skin color makes them matter less to white America.
But throughout his presidency, Donald Trump has steadily moved from covertly racist rhetoric and policies to ones that are overtly so. And standing in front of Mount Rushmore on July 3, Donald Trump abandoned any remaining shred of pretense (he doesn’t like masks anyway) and delivered a speech that offered a classic defense of white nationalism in America’s past and for America’s future. I don’t normally recommend people watch the deeply problematic speeches of this president, but I do suggest that people watch this one — especially those Republicans and white Christians who continue to uncritically endorse this president.
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