'Fox & Friends' co-host defends Trump's use of the word 'invasion' for border crossings: 'It's not anti-Hispanic, it's a fact'
Fox & Friends co-host Brian Kilmeade came under fire after defending the use of the word “invasion” to describe border crossings. The word has been used by President Donald Trump and others despite objections from many who feel the description is “racist” and could incite violence.
Kilmeade defended the word, saying, “When you have over 110,000 people coming a month, over a million last year, and then well over a million this year. If you use the term ‘an invasion’ that’s not anti-Hispanic, it’s a fact.” Kilmeade added, “If the Russians were coming through Alaska, through Canada, the president would be using the same language.”
Trump most recently used the term in a June tweet:
People have been saying for years that we should talk to Mexico. The problem is that Mexico is an “abuser” of the United States, taking but never giving. It has been this way for decades. Either they stop the invasion of our Country by Drug Dealers, Cartels, Human Traffickers....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 2, 2019
The word “invasion” was also used in a manifesto posted by the man recently accused of opening fire an El Paso, Texas store, killing at least 31 people.
Viewers on Twitter were divided, with some expressing that Kilmeade’s defense of the term “invasion” was off the mark:
Scare tactics. They learned this from the propaganda machines.
A 'Fox and Friends' host said it's 'a fact' that America is experiencing a Hispanic invasion, directly echoing the El Paso shooter's manifesto https://t.co/5kAAZTBddV via @businessinsider— glassact (@pamrecev) August 6, 2019
No mass shooters referenced Obama rhetoric. The El Paso guy mentioned stopping the immigrant invasion. You use the same words. You have blood on your hands. #ResignTrump
— Steve Joseph (@RealSteveJoe) August 6, 2019
Others agreed with Kilmeade, and felt the description is appropriate:
It is an invasion. 76,000 illegal crossings in one month at the southern border. That’s an invasion. pic.twitter.com/KDylYMqekl
— Art Vandelay (@X62048239) August 6, 2019
It is an invasion! If a mob of uninvited guests waltz into your house uninvited it is an invasion. That doesn't mean you get to go shooting a bunch of people. Only a sick deprived mind does that, you can not twist someone's words and say they caused it.
— blue bird (@TriciaO79281758) August 6, 2019
'Fox & Friends' co-hosts link 'video games,' 'parenting' to recent mass shootings:
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