Mnuchin: Trump's Tweets Are Not Racist

President Donald Trump's tweets suggesting Democratic progressive congresswomen should "go back" to other countries are not racist, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Monday, The Hill reported.

"I don’t find them racist,” Mnuchin told reporters as he became the first Cabinet member to comment on the controversy. “The president just went on and clarified his comments. I think he speaks for himself on that, and he was very clear."

Mnuchin declined to elaborate on his views even as he was pressed by reporters to do so, repeating only that "I understand what the president’s comment is. I'm not concerned by the president’s comment."

Mnuchin’s remarks came about one hour after Trump doubled down on his tweets, insisting that those who hate the United States and are not happy should leave the country. 

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