'They are adherents of an evil ideology': Republican lawmakers slam Trump for blaming 'both sides' for the violence in Charlottesville

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August 16, 2017 12:01 AM

"White supremacy is repulsive."

The Ku Klux Klan protests on July 8, 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Republican lawmakers blasted President Donald Trump on Tuesday afternoon following a wild press conference where Trump doubled down on his claim that the violence at the Charlottesville "Unite the Right" rally was caused by "many sides" (emphasis ours).

Paul Ryan, the Speaker of the House, backed up Rubio's statement.

"We must be clear," Ryan tweeted. "White supremacy is repulsive. This bigotry is counter to all this country stands for. There can be no moral ambiguity."

House GOP Majority Leader Kevin McCarthysaid in his own statement: ""

McCarthy said the violence in Charlottesville does not reflect the principles "enshrined in our Constitution that treats and respects every American equally."

"Orrin Hatch, the longest-serving Republican in the Senate, said. "

The violence in Charlottesville was caused by racists & hate groups," Sen. Susan Collinssaid. "We must unite against them."

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