CNN’s Lemon accuses Trump officials of ‘white-mansplaining’ on systemic racism

CNN host Don Lemon accused some officials in the Trump administration of “white-mansplaining,” calling the denial of systemic racism “the essence of white entitlement.”

Lemon weighed in after Trump chief economic adviser Larry Kudlow told reporters on Wednesday that he does not believe systemic racism exists in the country. Other Trump officials on Sunday denied the existence of systemic racism in law enforcement.

“We don’t have to whisper anymore, I’m just gonna say it,” Lemon said. “White men denying systemic racism, that is the essence of white entitlement. We do not need their permission, or their sign off, on what we know to be true and what we have lived. That is white-mansplaining.”

“How can you solve this problem, this systemic racism that is killing people of color if you won’t even admit there’s a problem? First step, is admitting there’s a problem,” he later added. “America knows which way the wind is blowing. Even NASCAR is banning Confederate flags right now.”

NASCAR announced Wednesday it would ban all Confederate flags at racetracks after the circuit’s only current African American driver, Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr., called for the ban two days earlier.

“The presence of the Confederate flag at NASCAR events runs contrary to our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, our competitors and our industry,” NASCAR communications said in a statement Wednesday.

“Bringing people together around a love for racing and the community that it creates is what makes our fans and sport special. The display of the Confederate flag will be prohibited from all NASCAR events and properties,” it added.

NASCAR held a race Wednesday night at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia.