Trump: Deadly white nationalist rally ‘nothing’ compared to campus protests
WASHINGTON — Donald Trump on Thursday claimed the 2017 white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, was “nothing” compared to ongoing pro-Palestinian campus protests, the latest instance in which he has downplayed a racist incident that was one of the most criticized moments of his presidency.
“Charlottesville was a little peanut,” Trump said. ‘‘And it was nothing compared — and the hate wasn’t the kind of hate that you have here.”
The Biden administration quickly condemned the comments.
“Minimizing the antisemitic and white supremacist poison displayed in Charlottesville is repugnant and divisive,” White House spokesman Andrew Bates said.
Hundreds of white nationalists descended on the city on Aug. 11 and Aug. 12, 2017. Clashes between white nationalists and anti-racism protesters broke out both days. A man rammed his car into a peaceful group of counter-protesters. One woman died; 35 others were injured.
FCC votes to restore net neutrality
SAN FRANCISCO — The Federal Trade Commission on Thursday voted to restore “net neutrality” rules that prevent broadband internet providers such as Comcast and Verizon from favoring some sites and apps over others.
The move effectively reinstates a net neutrality order the commission first issued in 2015 during the Obama administration. In 2017, under then-President Donald Trump, the FCC repealed those rules.
The measure passed Thursday on a 3-2 vote, with Democratic commissioners in favor and Republicans opposed.
Tennessee lawmakers vote to criminalize adults who help minors get gender-affirming care
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee’s GOPcontrolled Statehouse on Thursday gave their final approval to legislation criminalizing adults who help minors receive genderaffirming care without parental consent. Violations could range from talking to an adolescent about a website on where to find care to helping that young person travel to another state with looser restrictions on gender-affirming care services.