Racial sensitivity training ‘un-American propaganda’ that goes against US’ ‘fundamental beliefs’, says Trump’s White House

In a memo, an aide to US President Donald Trump directed government agencies to sniff out ‘training or propaganda efforts’

Contracts and spending related to those that suggest the US ‘is an inherently racist or evil country’ should be identified, it said

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US President Donald Trump gestures as he answers reporters questions during a news conference at the White House on Friday. Photo: Reuters

Published: 10:41pm, 5 Sep 2020Updated: 11:56pm, 5 Sep 2020

US President Donald Trump has instructed federal government agencies to halt racial sensitivity training with a White House memo that condemned such initiatives as contrary to the nation’s “fundamental beliefs.”

The memo was released late on Friday by Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, who said Trump had directed him “to ensure that federal agencies cease and desist from using taxpayer dollars to fund these divisive, un-American propaganda sessions.”

“The divisive, false, and demeaning propaganda of the critical race theory movement is contrary to all we stand for as Americans and should have no place in the federal government,” Vought added.

The memo was released as issues of racial injustice and police brutality have taken centre stage in the national political debate two months before the US election. Widespread demonstrations over the past few months have forced a painful reflection on the treatment of black people throughout American history.

Trump sent over 20 retweets on Saturday morning from conservative media outlets and others applauding the move. In response to a post calling critical race theory “the greatest threat to western civilisations,” Trump tweeted “Not any more!”