The manner in which Donald Trump has chosen to disregard the opinions of minority populations, as they face ever more heinous actions against them in broad daylight, is both irresponsible and a poor example for citizens and leaders of the country. This past Saturday, after the murder of 11 Jewish individuals in a mass shooting in the Squirrel Hill Synagogue--the deadliest antisemitic attack in American history--President Trump attempted to visit and pay his respects to those who were killed, and those who survived the trauma.

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However, several religious, political, and popular leaders of the area were adamant about his staying far away from the area, at least until after the 11 funerals were over and done. The mayor of Pittsburgh, Bill Peduto, declined to appear with Trump as well, saying, “all attention [Tuesday] should be on the victims.” President Trump disregarded this and appeared in the city regardless.

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The Jewish ceremony following death, Shiva, calls for seven days of rest for the immediate family of a deceased. Some individuals feel that President Trump’s visit, and the ensuing protests, interrupted Shiva from being fully practiced in the community. The upset in the city following the shooting struck community members with grief, and disregarding the wishes of those individuals is surely an inappropriate fulfillment of the President’s duties.

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Some had other goals in mind as well, focusing on the President’s reluctance to openly denounce acts of hate. As of Tuesday, Oct. 30, more than 77,000 people had signed an open letter from progressive Jewish leaders saying Trump was not welcome in Pittsburgh until he denounces white nationalism, according to an article published by The Hill.

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Trump did make a stronger statement in regards to this shooter, going so far as to claim that he deserved the death penalty. And, similarly, made a statement claiming that there is no place for anti semitism in America. However, these claims still do not complete his obligation to denounce hate in the country. Historically he has taken little or no action nor powerful words to combat bigotry, even pondering himself how anti semitic acts could still be taking place during a statement to ABC News.

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Shortly afterward, he switched the conversation to how an armed guard could have saved those in the synagogue and also stated that gun laws should not fall into question following yet another mass shooting. The president has used a massacre, again, to appeal to his own political viewpoints, rather than comforting the community and conforming to their wishes. His actions were and are immoral, plain and simple.

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While it could be said that the president must complete the actions that Trump did following a tragedy, Trump seems to have caused more harm than good in doing so. Donald Trump’s tendency to disregard the opinions of a majority of America, and supplying an outlet for racism, antisemitism, misogyny, and other prejudiced views should be openly denounced by other leaders of the country and its citizens. America truly is not a country where prejudice should find a home, but empty statements and pointless shows of duty is not how that becomes a reality.