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In remarks that signal a departure from his campaign rhetoric, President-elect Donald Trump has asked his supporters to stop harassing Latino and Muslim immigrants.
“Don’t do it,” Trump said in an appearance in CBS’s 60 Minutes program amid several reports that some of his backers targeted immigrants with xenophoic slurs and threats of violence.
“That’s terrible, because I’m going to bring this country together.”
Emphasizing his call, Trump looked directly into the camera saying “Stop it.”
Trump was also frank in acknowledging that he was aware of reported incidents.
However, he pointed out that it was only “a very small amount” of people supporting him that committed such acts but said such intimidating behavior was unacceptable.
Trump, who beat Democratic Hillary Clinton in a hard-fought and divisive election, spoke as thousands of protesters marched in large cities to express their opposition to his victory and policies.
The Republican also tried to calm fears among people that as president Trump might implement some of his stern positions on various issues.
“I would tell them, ‘Don’t be afraid, absolutely. … Don’t be afraid. We are going to bring our country back. But certainly, don’t be afraid.'”
Yet, during the interview he hinted at deporting millions of undocumented immigrants found involved in crimes.
He tried to contrast his campaign image with his curent role aa s as a persons resolved to unite the nation. He applauded both President Barack Obama and his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton as smart.
He also address the question of his image in the media.
“I think I’m a sober person,” Trump said. “I think the press tries to make you into something a little bit different — in my case, a little bit of a wild man. I’m not. I’m actually not. I’m a very sober person.”
