Trump Walks Back On His Statements Made At The Presidential Debate, Now Maintains That He Condemns 'White Supremacists'

President Donald Trump on Thursday went back on his previous statements, made earlier this week, pertaining to the “Proud Boys”-- largely known as a “hate group” by the nonprofit Southern Poverty Law Center.

“Proud Boys, stand back and stand by,” said Trump during his first presidential debate of the general election with political rival Joe Biden on Tuesday. The remark, albeit ambiguous, implied his support for a club of “western chauvinists.”

The comments came as a response to Biden’s question to the President, about whether he was willing to denounce “white supremacists and militia groups” and tell them to stop further damage to the already volatile political landscape of the U.S. Trump's earlier comments at the debate sent shockwaves to Republicans, who feared being further dragged down due to the president's inflammatory perspective.

Soon after, scores of allies of the president have implored him to clarify his stance. Fast forward to Thursday, and Trump seemed to have walked back on the comments he previously made. “I’ve said it many times and let me be clear again: I condemn the K.K.K., I condemn all white supremacists, I condemn the Proud Boys,” said Trump to Sean Hannity of Fox News in an interview.

Trump’s muddled response was evidenced in his press meet at the White House on Wednesday when he indicated otherwise. “I don’t know who the Proud Boys are,” said the president to reporters at the White House. “They have to stand down. Let law enforcement do their work,” he added.

But, it’s certain that Trump’s views during the intense presidential debate with Biden didn’t go unnoticed by the “Proud Boys” either. Shortly after the debate; Joe Biggs, a group member lauded the far-right extremist group’s mention on the social media platform Parler and stated: “President Trump told the proud boys to stand by because someone needs to deal with ANTIFA...well sir! we’re ready!!” Antifa is a far-left movement community with followers who have taken it upon themselves to confront and curtail individuals and events that are perceived as “authoritarian” or “racist.”

Despite Trump having gone back on his statements, a wide spectrum of critics are of the opinion that the president has allegedly been supportive of racist groups. Moreover, Trump has a history of going back and forth on his statements. In 2017, Trump averred that “both sides” were equally at fault for the persisting attacks in Charlottesville, Virginia. Yet, he chose to revoke his statements shortly after. Trump is currently tested positive for Coronavirus, stirring further stress around the outbreak.