Several news outlets mocked President Trump’s remarks on famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass following his remarks at a White House event honoring Black History Month, because he referred to Douglass in the present tense.
During the event, attended by black leaders, Trump name checked a number of black historical figures, including Martin Luther King, Jr., Harriet Tubman and Douglass.
“I am very proud now that we have a museum on the [National] Mall where people can learn about Rev. King,” Trump said. “Some of the other things — Frederick Douglass is an example of somebody who’s done an amazing job and is being recognized more and more. Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks. I’m proud to honor this heritage. And we’ll be honoring it more and more.”
Though Douglass died in 1895, news outlets pointed out that Trump’s vague remarks on him were spoken in the present tense.
After quoting Trump in a blog item, the New York Times wrly added, “Yes, he said that.”
“Does Donald Trump actually know who Frederick Douglass was?” asked the Atlantic magazine.
A headline at the Week magazine said, “President Trump says Frederick Douglass ‘has done an amazing job.’ Douglass died in 1895.”
Covering Trump’s remarks, the liberal Talking Points Memo blog said, “Trump Shows Off His Black History Chops, Big League.”
