Hundreds of white nationalists took part in a rally in Charlottesville, Virginia on Saturday, which quickly turned into violence and riots after counter-protesters clashed with those in attendance. After Donald Trump gave his thoughts, the president was ripped apart across social media.

Trump on riots

During the eight years that Barack Obama was in the White House, racial tensions reached a boiling point as the political divide in the United States continued to widen. Following Obama's exit from Washington, Donald Trump took his place, creating even more issues between those on the political left and right.

Ever since kicking off his campaign for president, which has since continued into his seventh month in office, the former host of "The Apprentice" has been accused of racism and other forms of prejudice. From his inflammatory rhetoric towards Hispanics and Muslims, to the policy proposals that could have a negative impact on other minority groups, Trump and his supporters have been forced to push back against the label of "racist." As reported by NBC News on August 12, white nationalists took to the streets in Charlottesville, Virginia to take part in the "United the Right" rally, but were instantly met with opposition. As seen on his Twitter account later in the day, Trump condemned the violence that has since left at least one person dead.

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe declared a state of emergency because of the violence that broke out at the aforementioned rally, which included a car plowing through a group of protesters that left one person killed.

On Twitter, Donald Trump wrote "We ALL must be united & condemn all that hate stands for. There is no place for this kind of violence in America. Lets come together as one!" The president and the Virginia governor spoke shortly after the violence began, with the two agreeing that "the hate and the division must stop and must stop right now."

Twitter reacts

In response to Donald Trump's remarks, those who oppose the president on social media were quick to speak out.

"'Let's come together as one?' How in the hell are you going to ask that when you're the one cheer-leading the division?" writer Kelly Scaletta tweeted out.

"Trump is the one who made it okay to 'Beat the crap out of 'em,'" author Stephen King wrote. "Donald Trump mocked Barack Obama for not calling Islamic Terrorism by its name. Now HE must call White Supremacy Terrorism by its name," MSNBC host Joe Scarborough stated.

"Donnie, denouncing white nationalists now after encouraging them throughout your campaign? You're days late and as usual many dollars short," actor George Takei posted. In a follow-up tweet, Takei added, "When terrorists abroad plow cars into crowds Trump condemns 'radical Islam.' But when it happens here, he talks of violence 'on many sides.'"

"Let's be clear.

The hatred we're seeing in Virginia lies at the feet of Donald Trump. Stoked during the campaign,his silence condones this," actor Rob Reiner wrote. In another social media post, Reiner noted, "No mention of the evil of white supremacy or ugliness of racism. No acknowledgement of the hatred he has stoked. Disgraceful."
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