Maxine Waters: 'Trump Emboldening Racists'

Jussie Smollet attack Maxine Waters blames Trump for emboldening racists

In the wake of a reported racist and homophobic attack against 'Empire' actor Jussie Smollet, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) says the incident has everything to do with the way this country is being run.

While racism and bigotry aren't particularly new in America, Rep. Waters says responsibility for this country's tense racial climate begins at the top.

"Why all of a sudden do we have people unable to study while black, unable to mow a lawn while black, unable to have a picnic while black and being attacked? It's coming from the president of the United States," Rep. Waters told theGrio during her annual Millennial Media Row event on Tuesday night.

Rep. Waters has never been one to hold back criticisms of President Donald Trump, calling the White House the "white supremacists' house" in the wake of racial violence in Charlottesville.

"[Trump is] separating and dividing and he is basically emboldening those folks who feel this way, maybe never said and never talked about it, never could act it out but now they're on it," Rep. Waters continued.

According to Chicago Police, Jussie Smollet was walking outside when two assailants called him racial and homophobic slurs to grab his attention, hitting him in the face and pouring an "unknown chemical" on him.