Trump was asked about racism and anti-Semitism. Here's a transcript of his full response.

During a Wednesday afternoon press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a member of the Israeli press asked President Donald Trump about the sharp rise in anti-Semitic incidents across the United States and whether Trump’s administration is “playing with xenophobia and racist tones.”

Here’s Trump full answer:

Well, I just want to say that we are, you know, very honored by the victory that we had. 306 electoral college votes. We were not supposed to 220. [Addressing Netanyahu:] You know that, right? There was no way to 221, but then they said there’s no way to 270. An there’s tremendous enthusiasm out there.
I will say that we are going to have peace in this country. We are going to stop crime in this country. We are going to do everything within our power to stop long-simmering racism and every other thing that’s going on, because a lot of bad things have been taking place over a long period of time. I think one of the reasons I won the election is we have a very, very divided nation. Very divided. And hopefully I’ll be able to do something about that. It was something that was very important to me.
As far as people, Jewish people, so many friends, a daughter who happens to be here right now, a son-in-law, and three beautiful grandchildren. I think that you’re going to see a lot different United States of America over the next three, four, or eight years. I think a lot of good things are happening, and you’re going to see a lot of love. You’re going to see a lot of love. OK? Thank you.

I’m totally out of jokes.

Here’s a video of Trump’s remarks, if you need that to really drive the absurdity of the whole “but I have Jewish friends” defense home:

Asked about charges his administration is “playing with xenophobia,” Pres. Trump says “you’re going to see a lot of love” during his term. pic.twitter.com/SNuoatUBLK
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) February 15, 2017

 
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