Fact Check: Did Trump Call Neo-Nazis “Very Fine People” in Charlottesville?

Claim: Trump referred to neo-Nazis and white supremacists as “very fine people” during the Charlottesville rally.

Rating: False

Explanation: The claim that President Trump referred to neo-Nazis and white supremacists as “very fine people” is based on a misinterpretation of his comments. While it’s true that Trump said there were "very fine people on both sides" during a press conference in August 2017, the context was more nuanced than the claim suggests.

Trump’s statement came after violent clashes between white nationalist groups and counter-protesters at the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. In his comments, Trump was referring to people protesting the removal of a Confederate statue, not neo-Nazis or white supremacists. Later in the press conference, Trump condemned white supremacists explicitly, saying, "I’m not talking about the neo-Nazis and the white nationalists, because they should be condemned totally."

The confusion stems from a lack of context around Trump’s remarks. His reference to "very fine people" was not directed at the white nationalist groups but at those protesting the statue's removal, who were not necessarily associated with extremist ideologies.

Supporting Evidence:

1. Trump’s Full Statement: In the same press conference, Trump clarified his position by saying, "I'm not talking about the neo-Nazis and the white nationalists, because they should be condemned totally." This clarification shows that he was not endorsing these groups.
2. Reports from the Event: News outlets and independent observers noted that the rally was a complex situation, with individuals of different political views involved. The "very fine people" remark was made in this broader context, where Trump appeared to be distinguishing between the extremists and other protest participants.
3. Reactions from Trump’s Administration: Members of Trump’s administration, including Vice President Mike Pence and other officials, also condemned white supremacy and neo-Nazism, supporting the idea that Trump did not endorse these groups.

Conclusion: The claim that President Trump referred to neo-Nazis and white supremacists as “very fine people” is misleading. While he did say there were "very fine people on both sides," his comments were taken out of context, and he clarified that he was not referring to neo-Nazis or white supremacists. Therefore, the claim is false.