| In the aftermath of Donald Trump’s vile defense of white nationalists in Charlottesville, 18 charities have canceled fundraisers at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. Those charities represent just the latest group — including business leaders and Republican senators — to strongly distance themselves from the president in the wake of Charlottesville. Yet despite this outcry from across the country, for 25 days Ed Gillespie — who claims he wants to lead “all Virginians” — has refused to condemn the President’s vile comments about Neo-Nazis.
It's just the latest sign that Gillespie is more interested in appealing to the radical elements in his own party than joining Republican elected officials, business leaders, and philanthropic organizations to stand against Trump's extremism.
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The Hill: 18th charity pulls event from Trump's Mar-a-Lago after Charlottesville
By Jacqueline Thomsen
An 18th charity has pulled its event from President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate since his controversial remarks on the violence in Charlottesville, Va., last month.
The Palm Beach Habilitation Center will no longer hold its annual Hab-a-Hearts luncheon at the president’s property in Palm Beach, Fla., the Palm Beach Daily News reported Sunday.
“We’ve decided to move because we want to keep the focus of the event on our mission, which is to help adults with physical or mental challenges live the best lives possible,” the group's CEO David Lin told the Daily News.
The local charity becomes the latest in a long list of charities that have pulled their events from Trump’s estate since his remarks on the violenceat the white nationalist rally in Charlottesville last month, in which he blamed “both sides” for the violence.
“What about the alt-left that came charging at the — as you say, the alt-right?” Trump asked. “Do they have any semblance of guilt? What about the fact they came charging with clubs in their hands, swinging clubs? Do they have any problem? I think they do. As far as I am concerned, that was a horrible, horrible day.”
Twenty-four charities in total have pulled their events from the estate so far this year, according to the Daily News, including major nonprofits like the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army and Susan G. Komen Foundation. |
