Scott Jennings challenged Maria Cardona's claim that Donald Trump inspired the violent 2017 clash in Charlottesville. Cardona insisted Trump “spurred on and inspired” the Charlottesville protests and the January 6 Capitol riot.
In August 2017, the Charlottesville protests turned deadly. One person was killed, and at least 19 were injured. Cardona said, “Let’s remember Charlottesville. Let’s remember January 6th. All of those events ended in tragedy and were spurred on by the words of the former president.” Jennings pressed her, “How did he inspire Charlottesville?”
Cardona responded, “He went out there and said both sides are good people.” Jennings interrupted, pointing out, “That was after the riot. You said he caused the riot.”
Trump's comments after the riot drew significant attention. He stated, “You had some very bad people in that group. But you also had people that were very fine people, on both sides.” He argued that many in the group protested the removal of statues, mentioning historical figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.
Cardona noted Jennings's skeptical demeanor. “Yes, I’m skeptical that he caused Charlottesville,” Jennings replied. Cardona maintained, “You know it’s true. Yes, I do think that he did cause Charlottesville.” Jennings shifted the focus, asking, “Who is causing the rallies on campuses?”
Recent protests have erupted on campuses since the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas. Cardona insisted, “Those people that were marching were marching in support of one person.” Jennings pressed again, asking, “Who’s causing the rallies on the streets of New York?”
“Let me finish,” Cardona snapped. She concluded, “Those people that were marching were marching in support of Donald Trump.”