Donald Trump Fires Back at Hillary Clinton’s ‘Basket of Deplorables’ Comment

Donald Trump slammed Hillary Clinton on Monday for comments she made at a fundraiser last week that suggested half of the Republican nominee’s supporters are racist, sexist, homophobic, or Islamaphobic Americans who make up a “basket of deplorables.”

Speaking before the National Guard’s annual convention in Baltimore, Trump said Clinton showed her true colors during those remarks, calling her an “insider” who spoke with “hatred and derision” for the people who “make this country run.”

“Hillary Clinton is an insider supported by powerful insiders attacking Americans who have absolutely no political power,” Trump said. “She spoke with contempt for the people who thanklessly follow the rules, pay their taxes and scratch out a living for their family; a hard-earned living, too.”

Clinton has said she regrets generalizing “half” of Trump’s supporters in such a manner, though she has maintained that the candidate himself has engaged in “deplorable” acts, including criticizing a judge based on his Mexican heritage and being a vocal member of the birther movement questioning President Obama’s birthplace in Hawaii. Clinton has also used similarly harsh language about Trump’s supporters in interviews and in a speech detailing the support he has of members of the so-called alt-right movement.

“After months of hiding from the press, Hillary Clinton has revealed her true thoughts—that was her true thoughts,” Trump said. “She revealed herself to be a person who looks down on the proud citizens of our country as subjects for her rule.”