After the backlash over President Trump’s reported quote about “shithole countries,” American Urban Radio Networks reporter and CNN contributor April Ryan pointedly asked him on Friday: “Are you a racist?”
Trump didn’t answer the question or a follow-up — “Mr. President, will you respond to these serious questions about your statement, sir?”– and left the room.
The question came at a White House event honoring the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Reporters yell questions at Trump after he signs MLK Day proclamation: “Mr President, are you a racist?” pic.twitter.com/GsOA9jaPoM
— Marcus Gilmer (@marcusgilmer) January 12, 2018
Ryan has clashed with the Trump administration before — in May, then-White House press secretary Sean Spicer scolded her, “please stop shaking your head,” as he answered one of her questions.