US President Joe Biden has come under fire after claiming that white supremacy is the “most dangerous terrorist threat” in America during a speech at Howard University, a historical black college in Washington DC. His comments sparked outrage among critics who took to social media to chastise the 80-year-old's statement.
Biden was addressing graduates at the Capital One Arena on Saturday (May 13), urging them to stand up against racial division within their own country. He said that the battle between the best and worst of us is an ongoing struggle but encouraged those with courage and heart to embrace unity and equality.
However, one political commentator dismissed his comments as "completely bonkers," while thousands of critics expressed their disagreement on social media platforms.
During his address, Biden also criticized Tennessee House Republicans for attempting to expel three Democratic state lawmakers over a gun-reform protest on the House floor. Additionally, he condemned conservative-led book bans targeting literature discussing gender, sexual orientation, and race.
The president's remarks followed a recent shooting in Allen perpetrated by an individual sympathetic towards white supremacist ideology. The FBI has stated that racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists pose significant domestic threats – particularly those promoting white superiority beliefs. The Southern Poverty Law Center tracked 52 hate groups operating within Texas this year alone; many espousing neo-Nazi ideologies.
Leading Republicans have accused President Biden of exacerbating racial tensions within America through his rhetoric about racial injustice. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticized critical race theory and denounced various institutions' focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
President Biden has consistently spoken out against racism throughout his career; however, some argue that recent speeches specifically target Black voters for political gain. In response to these allegations, the Republican National Committee posted a video titled “Joe Biden’s Racism Problem,” highlighting various racial gaffes made by the president over the years.
Despite facing backlash, President Biden remains steadfast in his commitment to addressing and dismantling systemic racism within America. As he told Howard University graduates, the fight for equality requires courage and heart to stand up against hatred and division – a sentiment that will continue to resonate amid ongoing debates on race relations in the United States.