Jesse Jackson: Trump administration has shown it is an advocate for authoritarianism and white supremacy

The Rev. Jesse Jackson is calling on civil rights supporters to take action to oppose the Trump administration’s policies, which he deems “authoritarian.”

“The Trump administration has demonstrated in word and deed that it is an advocate for authoritarianism, not democracy, and white supremacy, not multiculturalism. He must be defeated,” Jackson wrote in The New York Times on Saturday.

The civil rights leader went on to list boycotts, political rallies, education and legislation as tools that can be used to combat the Trump administration. He also urged those frustrated by Trump’s policies to vote and run for office.

{mosads}Jackson wrote an opinion piece for the Times last week marking the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s death. When King was shot on the balcony of his motel room in 1968, Jackson was in the parking lot below.

On Saturday, the newspaper published Jackson’s responses to reader comments about King’s legacy. One reader wrote that they felt Trump is “working to dismantle the bold strides that Dr. King made.”

Jackson agreed, and said the president is “dividing rather than building the beloved community.” 

Jackson previously criticized the president for targeting NFL players who protested social justice issues by kneeling during the national anthem before games.

Trump has faced criticism multiple times since he launched his campaign for using racially charged rhetoric. He claimed upon launching his campaign that many Mexicans who come to the U.S. are “rapists” and “criminals.”

He later reportedly complained during a meeting with lawmakers that too many immigrants are coming to the U.S. from “shithole countries” like El Salvador, Haiti and African nations.