Trump Calls Elizabeth Warren 'Pocahontas' Again While Speaking to Native Americans
On Monday, while speaking to Native American war veterans and the press, President Donald Trump took time out to once again openly mock Massachusetts Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren and called her by a name he’s used before: Pocahontas.
“You were here long before any of us were here,” Trump said while speaking directly to the group of Native American code talkers. “Although we have a representative in Congress who they say was here a long time ago. They call her Pocahontas.” He added, “But you know what, I like you, because you are special.”
According to USA Today, the comment was met simply with awkward silence from the president’s guests. And that silence was especially deafening in a video showing the exact moment Trump made his insensitive remark.
Though the president didn’t specifically name Warren in his statement it was clear who he was speaking about as he’s long called the esteemed senator by this name in reference to her claim that she has Native American ancestors.
In response, Warren told MSNBC that the president’s comments were both out of place and “unfortunate.”
“This was supposed to be an event to honor heroes, people who put it all on the line for our country, and people, who because of their incredible work, saved the lives of countless Americans and our allies,” Warren said. “It is deeply unfortunate that the president of the united states cannot even make it through a ceremony honoring these heroes without having to throw out a racial slur.”
To add insult to injury Trump also made the remarks while standing in front of a painting of President Andrew Jackson, who was the president that signed the Indian Removal Act in 1830, which forced Native Americans from their lands. As Mic further explained, the act ultimately led to thousands of Native American deaths, an event which is now widely referred to as the Trail of Tears.
In a statement following the event Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said she does not believe calling Warren Pocahontas is racially insensitive. Instead, she said, “I think what most people find offensive is Senator Warren lying about her heritage to advance her career.”
Related Content:
Elizabeth Warren Shares Her Own #MeToo Story: ‘What Had I Done to Bring This On?’
Senator Elizabeth Warren: Attacks on Birth Control Access Are Attacks on Women’s Economic Freedom
Elizabeth Warren Once Struggled to Find Child Care—and Every Working Mother Can Relate