President Donald Trump defended his ongoing attacks against Maryland Democratic Congressman Elijah Cummings, the city of Baltimore and New York Rev. Al Sharpton on Tuesday in claiming that he considers himself the "least racist" person in the world.
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Add Donald Trump as an interest to stay up to date on the latest Donald Trump news, video, and analysis from ABC News.Before departing the White House, the president fielded his first questions from the press about his attacks on Cummings and accusations from opponents that he is a racist. Trump said that the people of Baltimore are "living in hell" and claimed that African Americans have been calling the White House to thank him to for bringing critical attention to the city. Over the weekend, the president tweeted that Baltimore is a "disgusting, rat and rodent infested mess."
"We have a large African-American population, and they really appreciate what I'm doing and they've let me know it," Trump told reporters. "They really appreciate it,"
Trump went on to say that he doesn't think that his war of words with Cummings, Sharpton and the city of Baltimore hurts him politically, nor does he consider his comments as being rooted in racism.
"I'm the least racist person there is anywhere in the world," Trump said, "Al Sharpton -- now he's a racist."
On Monday, the president turned from his tweets criticizing Cummings to Sharpton, whom he characterized on Twitter as a "con man" who "Hates Whites & Cops."
At the press conference Monday, Sharpton said Trump was lobbing attacks in the “most bigoted and racist way.” Steele urged Trump to visit Baltimore.
"This is a place where people raise families, kids go to school, businesses thrive, strive and struggle," Steele said. "Mr. President, come on down. The streets are ready for you. Neighborhoods are ready for you. So just show up. Walk down the street. Show up. It’s not complicated.”