Washington, D.C. | www.adc.org | December 14, 2015 –In light of the rise of anti-Arab backlash, Islamophobia and xenophobia, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) calls on Donald Trump to drop out of the 2016 Presidential race. Since entering the race for the Republican Nomination, Trump has spewed hateful rhetoric that has incited an increase in the number of attacks targeting Arab and Muslim Americans. After he advocated for the banning of Muslims from entering the U.S., there have been a record number of hate crimes, and incidents of discrimination, targeting Arabs, Muslims and those to be perceived to be Arab or Muslim, including the Sikh community.
Trump has offended Arabs and Muslims and he also found a way to offend a number of other minority and immigrant groups. His campaign is based on the perpetuation of bigotry, fear and hatred. Time and time again, Trump has shown that he has no respect for the U.S. Constitution or American values. Trump is an embarrassment to the American electoral process, the Republican Party, democratic principles and this country. His words and actions continue to exhibit the worst America has to offer by playing into people’s fears and biases through lies, deception and faulty logic.
The Republican Party and the Republican National Committee have an obligation to distance themselves from Trump. Trump has gained support of many individuals that are affiliated with hate groups such as the KKK, and neo-Nazi groups. There are many examples of Trump supporters berating, harassing and even assaulting people of color or those that oppose Trumps race-baiting comments. It has gotten to the point where white supremacy groups are now using Trumps statements in their recruitment efforts.
ADC President Samer Khalaf states, “With the enormity of the challenges we face as a nation, it is imperative that Trump end his campaign. His words have led to violent acts of hate, and it is clear that he is not good for the country. As put by the White House – Trump’s plan to ban Muslims from entering the U.S. disqualifies him from being President. It is time for Trump to do the nation a favor and drop out of the race for the Republican Presidential nomination.”
ADC Board Chair Dr. Safa Rifka: “It is clear that Trump is unfit to be President of the United States. We welcome the voices from within the Republican Party who have spoken against Trump and his bigotry. We also thank Foreign Dignitaries for expressing concern with Trump and his rhetoric, including Prime Minister David Cameron of Great Britain; Prince Alwaleed bin Talal of Saudi Arabia; Canadian Foreign Minister Stephane Dion; Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders; and the French Prime Minister Manuel Valls. These voices have made one thing clear – Donald Trump does not have what it takes to lead America on a global scale. He needs to do the right thing and drop out of this race.”
ADC National Board Member, the Hon. Nick Rahall explains, “Donald Trump’s position does not reflect American values and unfortunately is now the most effective recruitment tool in ISIL’s toolbox.”