What's happening in the political world:
Trump: Removal of Confederate monuments "sad to see"
-- With numerous Confederate monuments and statues being taken down across the United States, President Trump has expressed disappointment in their removal.
Trump said in a series of tweets Thursday morning:
Sad to see the history and culture of our great country being ripped apart with the removal of our beautiful statues and monuments. You.....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 17, 2017
...can't change history, but you can learn from it. Robert E Lee, Stonewall Jackson - who's next, Washington, Jefferson? So foolish! Also...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 17, 2017
...the beauty that is being taken out of our cities, towns and parks will be greatly missed and never able to be comparably replaced!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 17, 2017
Apple CEO Cook rejects Trump's Charlottesville remarks
-- Apple CEO Tim Cook says President Trump's response to the violence at a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville contradicts American values.
In an email to Apple employees on Wednesday night, Cook called for an "unequivocal" denouncement of hate and bigotry, rejecting Trump's widely criticized remarks on Charlottesville.
"I disagree with the president and others who believe that there is a moral equivalence between white supremacists and Nazis, and those who oppose them by standing up for human rights," Cook wrote. "Equating the two runs counter to our ideals as Americans."
Cook's comments come after top CEOs abandoned Trump in the wake of his remarks on Charlottesville, leading to the collapse of the president's two business advisory groups. Cook had previously participated in a couple tech summits hosted by Trump.
Trump slams "publicity seeking" Sen. Graham
-- President Trump hit back at Sen. Lindsey Graham after the South Carolina Republican criticized him for his statements on the Charlottesville crisis.
Graham tweeted Wednesday:
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) August 16, 2017
On Thursday morning, Trump responded:
Publicity seeking Lindsey Graham falsely stated that I said there is moral equivalency between the KKK, neo-Nazis & white supremacists......
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 17, 2017
...and people like Ms. Heyer. Such a disgusting lie. He just can't forget his election trouncing.The people of South Carolina will remember!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 17, 2017
Following Trump's tweets, Graham replied:
Mr. President, like most I seek to move our nation, my state, and our party forward - toward the light - not back to the darkness. (1) https://t.co/K1j4JnhCgf
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) August 17, 2017
Your tweet honoring Miss Heyer was very nice and appropriate.
Well done. (2) https://t.co/8I6LVMDXUy
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) August 17, 2017
However, because of the manner in which you have handled the Charlottesville tragedy you are now receiving praise from some.....(3)
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) August 17, 2017
....you are now receiving praise from some of the most racist and hate-filled individuals and groups in our country. (4)
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) August 17, 2017
For the sake of our Nation -- as our President -- please fix this. (5)
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) August 17, 2017
History is watching us all. (6)
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) August 17, 2017
CNN contributed to this report
