Donald Trump took his show on the road Saturday, attending the opening of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson. That appearance, like most the president makes, was met with controversy. Some boycotted the event in protest of his public appearance. Others thought it was an incredible gesture meant to accelerate the healing of divisions in the United States.
Where do you come down on the controversial issue? Here's each side of the debate.
Why Trump was right to be invited
Like it or not - and many don't - Trump is the president of the United States.
Outside of the legislative and executive duties of the office, it's also his job to be the public face of the nation. That means speaking at events that are considered to be of national or cultural significance. Besides, he was invited by Mississippi's governor. It would've been an even uglier look optics-wise if Trump decided to skip the event and that decision became public.
It was my great honor to celebrate the opening of two extraordinary museums-the Mississippi State History Museum & the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. We pay solemn tribute to our heroes of the past & dedicate ourselves to building a future of freedom, equality, justice & peace. pic.twitter.com/5AkgVpV8aa
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 9, 2017
His prepared statements at the event were well-crafted, though he did refer to some civil rights victories as "big stuff." He recognized icon Medgar Evers and his wife, who was in attendance.
He talked about the hope that the museum would provide to future generations. He also called it a "tribute to the nation at the highest level." Trump did leave before the official ribbon cutting, though.
Why Trump was wrong to be invited
Trump has a questionable record in regards to civil rights issues. He has actively campaigned for travel restrictions that have been interpreted to be a "Muslim ban." His comments on the NFL national anthem protests have also inflamed many, with interpretations of those being shots at the African-American community.
Then, of course, there was his reaction to the racially-motivated violence in Charlottesville, where he attempted to place blame on both sides of a serious racial divide.
President Trump’s attendance and his hurtful policies are an insult to the people portrayed in this civil rights museum. After President Trump departs, we encourage all Mississippians and Americans to visit this historic civil rights museum. https://t.co/cXo11eGHZw
— John Lewis (@repjohnlewis) December 8, 2017
Major figures certainly weren't happy with Trump's appearance at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.
Representative and civil rights icon John Lewis took a pass at the event. So did Chokwe Antar Lumumba, the mayor of Jackson. Such high profile absences lent credibility to the people who claimed the president didn't have a place at this particular event.
There's no reversing the decision of Trump speaking at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum this weekend. Whether or not he belonged there, however, will continue to be debated in the coming days.
