Republican Maine Gov. Paul LePage said Thursday that removing monuments of Confederate generals is like tearing down memorials built commemorating those who died during the Sept. 11 terror attacks.
“Listen, whether we like it or not, this is what our history is,” the Republican governor told reporters, referring to the Confederacy’s role in American history. “It’s just like going to New York City and taking down the monument to those who perished in 9/11 — it will come to that.”
LePage also condemned both the so-called alt-right and Antifa protesters for violence that occurred during a Virginia rally to remove a statue of Robert E. Lee, who lead the Confederacy during the Civil War.
“I condemn both sides. I think they’re disgusting — both sides,” said LePage, who is a prominent supporter of President Donald Trump. He gained notoriety last year after cursing out a lawmaker for calling comments the governor made about drug dealers racist.
LePage’s comments come on the same day that Trump came out in defense of Confederate statues and monuments in a series of tweets to his minion of followers.
“Sad to see the history and culture of our great country being ripped apart with the removal of our beautiful statues and monuments,” Trump wrote. “You can’t change history, but you can learn from it. Robert E Lee, Stonewall Jackson – who’s next, Washington, Jefferson? So foolish!”
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