Trump on "angry mob," "campaign to erase history," Lakota: He hates Native Americans

The President of the United States of America (USA) Donald Trump last night, on the eve of Independence Day in the USA, appealed to disaffected white voters four months before the election and accused the protesters who fight against racism of leading a "relentless campaign to erase American history".

The protests are a "relentless campaign to erase our history, defame our heroes, erase our values ​​and indoctrinate our children," Trump said.

"We will not be silenced," said the US president at Mount Rushmore, where fireworks were also held.

Trump called those who desecrated monuments to Confederate leaders an "angry mob."

Native Americans have been furious since the president announced fireworks at South Dakota's Mount Rushmore, a monument on land they believe was stolen from them more than a century ago.

Trump said the Mount Rushmore monument "will never be desecrated and the heroes it represents will never be destroyed."

As the Voice of America writes, the indigenous people also questioned the timing of the event, because in addition to being held at a time when Americans are fighting against racism and police brutality, it is also being held at a time when tribes are fighting against the spread of the coronavirus.

"He hates Indians... There's no other reason for him to come here," resident Sikangu Lakota, whose ancestors belonged to the Lumi tribe, says of Trump.

Local resident Phil Tu Eagle, who is executive director of the Accord Council, which works to recognize the rights of the Seven Fire Councils - the historic confederation of tribes that lay claim to the Black Hills - agrees with him.

"For me, Mount Rushmore is a symbol of ethnic cleansing, forced assimilation and theft of our territory. Trump only reminds us how the genocide against our people continues," says Tu Igl.

Mount Rushmore National Monument is carved into the rock.

It features 18-meter sculptures of the heads of former US presidents.