Charles Barkley believes that President Donald Trump has “made it popular to be racist” in America.
The NBA legend made the remarks during an appearance on The Chris Cuomo Project, where he said he believes Trump has made people more willing to express racist views openly.
“There’s no consequences for being racist now,” said Barkley. “It’s like a lot of people are wearing it with a badge of courage,” going on to argue that Trump did not necessarily create those beliefs, but made some people feel safer showing them.
“You used to have to be quiet when you were racist. You don’t have to be quiet anymore,” he continued. “They were always racist, but they used to be able to hide it. But he’s made it comfortable.”
The longtime broadcaster also said Trump’s conduct falls short of what he expects from a president.
“There’s decency and a dignity that you should have. […] There’s not gonna be any type of racism or homophobic, uh, BS on my watch,” he added. “I’m going to call it out anytime I see it.”
Barkley also questioned why Trump is reigniting immigration division tactics so close to the election.
“What’s his other play? You can’t go back on the economy, because these people out here can’t afford gas, and can’t afford their meals,” Barkley added. “You can’t say, ‘Hey, we got a war going on. I don’t know what’s gonna end.’ So, that’s their only playbook. Race and immigration subjects — that’s their only playbook to win elections now.”
