Donald Trump Jr. Addresses Kenosha Killings: "We All Do Stupid Things At 17"

BY Erika Marie 3.7K Views
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Donald Trump Jr. Kyle Rittenhouse
Kyle Rittenhouse, the 17-year-old who killed two people and injured a third, has been praised by many as a hero who acted in self-defense.

The double homicide of two Kenosha protestors continues to polarize this political season in the United States. Kyle Rittenhouse, 17, armed himself with an AR-15-like weapon as he patrolled the streets of Kenosha, Wisconsin in the middle of a protest. The teen claimed he was defending businesses against looters, but when confronted, he killed one man and after another attempted to stop him from hurting others, he shot and kill that person, as well. Another victim was shot, but they survived their injuries. Some have called Rittenhouse a hero as they claim he was acting in self-defense, and President Donald Trump received backlash after he told reporters Rittenhouse "probably would have been killed" had he not fired his weapon.

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Donald Trump Jr. is on a mission to get his father re-elected, and he recently sat down with Extra TV to discuss his book, Liberal Privilege: Joe Biden and the Democrats Defense of the Indefensible. During the conversation, Trump Jr. was asked about the current ongoing protests that have not only swept the country but the world.

“The phrase 'Black Lives Matter,' do you understand what that means and what the fight is for it?" Trump Jr. was asked, He replied, “Of course. And I agree with it... It’s a very good marketing message, it's a great catchphrase, but that doesn't back up a lot of the political ideology behind it.” He was also asked why President Trump didn't meet with Jacob Blake's family when he visited Kenosha. Blake was reportedly paralyzed when he was recently shot seven times by police.

"He called and he wanted to call and speak to them. They wanted to make sure legal counsel was present, and I don't know what that has to do with Donald Trump," Trump Jr. said. The host asked, "But why hasn't the Trump Administration or President Trump condemned what happened in Kenosha with Kyle Rittenhouse... coming across state lines and... murdering two people and injuring another [at a protest]?”

Trump Jr. said that his father, along with the administration, is waiting for more information about the case. “We're waiting for due process. We're not jumping to a conclusion," said Trump Jr. "If I put myself in Kyle Rittenhouse['s shoes], maybe I shouldn't have been there. He's a young kid. I don't want young kids running around the streets with AR-15s... Maybe I wouldn't have put myself in that situation. Who knows? We all do stupid things at 17.”  The host added that Rittenhouse's actions were "a little beyond stupid." Watch the exchange below.


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.