AFT President Randi Weingarten Responds to Acts of Political Terrorism, Political Environment Created by President Trump

WASHINGTON—Statement by AFT President Randi Weingarten on acts of political terrorism and the climate created by President Donald Trump:

“Horrendous acts of political terrorism against elected officials and the media have no place in our society. They are intended to create fear and undermine our democracy. This is a moment to join together, regardless of party or ideology, to combat these acts of violence.

“As despicable as these acts are, we must also confront the political environment that is created by a president who calls the press the enemy of the people and celebrates violence against journalists; who calls his opponents angry mobs and says Democrats will bring violence if elected. Even today, Trump continued to attack the media on Twitter.

“We are better than this. In times of terror and disaster, Americans always come together as one people to help and heal one another. If Trump won’t lead by bringing people together, it’s up to us to do so—neighbor to neighbor, community by community. We can’t allow division and hatred to pull our democracy apart at its seams.

“Parents and educators teach children every day that words matter, and we strive to create safe and welcoming environments for children and teach them how to respect one another. In this moment, it’s these same values of respect and humanity that we must all lead with to restore our bonds as one united country.”