WASHINGTON, D.C.— Amid Donald Trump’s use of the racist term “Chinese Virus” to describe the coronavirus, and reports that a White House official used the term “kung flu” while discussing the coronavirus with an Asian American reporter, People For the American Way President Michael Keegan released the following statement:

“We condemn in the strongest terms the use of racist and xenophobic language in the Trump administration’s communications around the coronavirus. Tragically, this is yet another example of this administration deploying racism and bigotry to score what it thinks is a political advantage. Asian American communities in the United States are already struggling socially and economically, as well as being targeted by hate speech and violence, as a result of misguided fears and misinformation about this illness, and this will only harm them more. That the highest officials in our government would stoop to such offensive language in the midst of this public health crisis is completely unacceptable, and it must stop immediately.”

About People For the American Way

People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org.