Refresh for updates: During the first night of the 2020 presidential debates between President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden, Trump hesitated and failed to condemn white supremacists, when asked if he would by his opponent and moderator Chris Wallace. Instead, he addressed a specific extreme right-wing organization, namely the Proud Boys, and asked that they stand down and stand by.
Upon hearing Trump’s statement, Hollywood and political figures took to Twitter to share their thoughts. Among those blasting Trump on social media are Lena Waithe, Robin Thede, Mark Ruffalo and Jenny Yang.
“He couldn’t denounce white supremacy. I can turn this off now,” Waithe tweeted Tuesday evening.
Josh Gad asked fans and followers to consider the two candidates before they cast their votes.
“Tonight, we either choose a man who has principle or one who can’t bring himself to call white supremicists, “white supremacists.” THATS it. That’s the choice,” he tweeted.
Read more reactions below.
FOR THE RECORD, HE DID NOT CONDEMN WHITE SUPREMACY
— Robin Thede (@robinthede) September 30, 2020
He couldn’t denounce white supremacy. I can turn this off now.
— Lena Waithe (@LenaWaithe) September 30, 2020
For those who hadn’t been listening for the past 4 years, Trump just told you that he ain’t leaving and that he is a white supremacist. If that doesn’t get every American who is not white into overdrive to toss his ass – we may actually deserve what happens next.
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) September 30, 2020
“Proud Boys.Stand back and stand by?” That’s how Emmitt Till happens. That’s how 4 Little Girls at 16th Street Baptist Church happens. That’s how Kyle Rittenhouse happens. That’s how Dylan Roof happens…”
— Cheo Hodari Coker (@cheo_coker) September 30, 2020
So everyone saw Trump refuse to denounce white supremacy on live television, right?
— Ashley Nicole Black (@ashleyn1cole) September 30, 2020
His message to white supremacists was “STAND BY”. This is terrifying.
— olivia wilde (@oliviawilde) September 30, 2020
Here’s the big takeaway from the debate:
Trump was asked to condemn white supremacists, and not only did he refuse to do so, he told them to “stand back and stand by.”
You know, as if he is their leader.
That’s the takeaway.
— Kumail Nanjiani (@kumailn) September 30, 2020
Tonight Donald Trump refused to condemn white supremacists.
That is so deeply disturbing and horrifying, and utterly disqualifying for the presidency of our great nation.#Debates2020 #VoteOutHate #BidenHarrisToSaveAmerica— Ed Helms (@edhelms) September 30, 2020
Tonight, we either choose a man who has principle or one who can’t bring himself to call white supremicists, “white supremacists.” THATS it. That’s the choice.
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) September 30, 2020
I want to live in a country where my President is not afraid to call white supremacists and Nazis racists thugs and terrorists and then do everything he can to stop them. #WithBidenWeCan #Debates2020
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) September 30, 2020
Trump didn’t condemn white supremacists. He told ’em to wait for their cue. #Debates2020 https://t.co/JSpBCvcEs8
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) September 30, 2020
This photo was taken moments after Trump refused to condemn white supremacy. Please vote! https://t.co/kYXZaXTIdx
#Debates2020 #debate #PresidentialDebate pic.twitter.com/9MlHf4Ms1z
— Misha Collins — VOTE YOUR ASS OFF! (@mishacollins) September 30, 2020
“Proud boys stand by” Trump can’t even say “white supremacists stand down.” #Debates2020
— Jenny Yang (@jennyyangtv) September 30, 2020
Wow once again @realDonaldTrump refuses to condemn white supremicists. #Debate2020
— Katie Couric (@katiecouric) September 30, 2020
Trump won’t condemn white supremacists… and the moderator moves on…
— Soledad O’Brien (@soledadobrien) September 30, 2020
Did he just tell the proud boys to stand by?
— Sam Esmail (@samesmail) September 30, 2020
Did the President of the United States just instruct a white supremacist group to “stand by”?
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) September 30, 2020
Donald Trump was asked to condemn white supremacists tonight. He wouldn’t.
He must be defeated.
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) September 30, 2020
Why am I not surprised that the president who once praised Nazis as “very fine people” just refused to condemn white supremacists?
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) September 30, 2020