[Correspondent Report] Controversy Over Presidential Condolences for the Death of a 'Hero' in the US

Trump Remains Silent on Death of Feuding Congressman Lewis
Amid Growing Black Rights Movement, Trump Emphasizes Law and Order, Hesitant to Mourn Black Rights Pioneer
Previously Also Coldly Ignored Deaths of Political Opponents

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Following South Korea, a mourning atmosphere has also formed in the United States. While in Korea the focus was on Park Won-soon, the former human rights activist and mayor of Seoul, and General Baek Seon-yeop, the first four-star general, in the U.S., the death of a figure symbolizing the Black civil rights movement has raised concerns that it might only deepen social divisions.

With the passing of Congressman John Lewis, who led the Black civil rights movement alongside Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., on the 17th (local time), a wave of mourning has swept across the U.S. Media outlets, including Fox News, which President Trump frequently watches, have extensively covered Lewis's death and reminded the public of his impact on modern American history.

On the other hand, President Donald Trump's Twitter has remained quiet. Although Trump briefly paused tweeting following a hacking incident and then resumed, he has made no mention of Lewis's death. The White House has shown a similar silence.

Notably, Lewis's opposition to President Trump's emphasis on "law and order" during anti-racism protests adds to the interest in Trump's reaction.

Given the ongoing "Black Lives Matter" movement and anti-racism protests sparked by the recent death of George Floyd, the death of a civil rights icon like Lewis could provoke significant backlash if President Trump remains silent or issues criticism.

Lewis was a leading figure in the Black civil rights movement, marching with Martin Luther King Jr. during the 1965 Selma march. He was widely respected across political lines in U.S. politics. Under normal circumstances, regardless of political affiliation, it would be expected for the president and the White House to express condolences, but there are deep reasons why this has not happened.

President Trump had a contentious relationship with Lewis even before taking office. Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Lewis for declaring he would not attend Trump's inauguration.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Through tweets, President Trump criticized, "Congressman John Lewis should spend more time fixing his district that is falling apart terribly. All talk." Lewis responded, "Trump says I only talk and don't act, but I have been beaten until I bled and inhaled tear gas fighting for American rights. I marched with Reverend King in Selma."

This is not the first time President Trump has remained silent upon the death of a major political figure with whom he had a bad relationship. Despite being from the same Republican Party, Trump refused to issue an official White House statement mourning the death of "war hero" former Senator John McCain, who opposed him on many issues, and instead briefly tweeted, "My deepest sympathies and respect to the family of Senator John McCain." The word "hero," commonly used by Americans to describe McCain, was notably absent, drawing criticism.

Instead of mourning those who bled on battlefields and streets for the progress of American society, especially those who criticized him, President Trump has been absorbed in golf. On the 18th, he headed to a golf course again. He also played golf during McCain's funeral.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.