Asa Hutchinson was one of the first Republicans to condemn Donald Trump for meeting with a white supremacist.
In an interview with CNN on Sunday, Hutchinson, who has served two terms as the governor of Arkansas, was asked about the meeting that took place at Mar-a-Lago.
I hope we don't have to respond to what President Trump says or does. Hutchinson acknowledged Dana Bash's mention of his time as a US attorney who prosecuted racist militia members.
The last time I met with a white supremacist it was in an armed standoff. We sent them to prison after arresting them and prosecuting them. "No, I don't think it's a good idea for a leader that's setting an example for the country or the party to meet with a racist or antisemite," Hutchinson said.
Trump said he agreed to dinner with West, but the rapper surprised him with several people with him. He is known for sharing racist and antisemitic views. The Justice Department described him as a "white supremacist" after he attended the "Unite the Right" rally.
—Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 27, 2022
In several Truth Social posts, Trump denied knowing who the man was, but did not condemn the views he held.
Accidental meetings are possible. Hutchinson said things like that occur. This wasn't an accident. It was a set up dinner with someone else.
The governor said that leaders need to be clear that white supremacy and denying the Holocaust is not acceptable.
Due to term limits, Hutchinson could not run for re-election in 2022, but he has become a frequent critic of Trump. He said in August that he was thinking about running for president. Plans to run were announced by Trump.
Most elected Republicans have not condemned Trump's meeting with Fuentes, however, some other potential candidates have spoken out.
Trump's office didn't reply immediately.
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