Last Updated Dec 9, 2017 11:47 AM EST
President Trump on Saturday is touring and likely delivering remarks at the opening of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson. But the president’s visit does not come without controversy.
The NAACP has urged Mr. Trump not to attend, and two African-American Democrats in Congress — Rep. John Lewis of Georgia and Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi — canceled their trip. In a joint statement issued Thursday, Lewis and Thompson called the president’s presence an “insult.”
“President Trump’s attendance and his hurtful policies are an insult to the people portrayed in this civil rights museum. The struggles represented in this museum exemplify the truth of what really happened in Mississippi,” they wrote. “President Trump’s disparaging comments about women, the disabled, immigrants and National Football League players disrespect the efforts of Fannie Lou Hamer, Aaron Henry, Medgar Evers, Robert Clark, James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, Michael Schwerner and countless others who have given their all for Mississippi to be a better place. After President Trump departs, we encourage all Mississippians and Americans to visit this historic civil rights museum.”
So, Mr. Trump is speaking at a private event, and leaving as soon as he delivers his remarks, instead of sticking around for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
© 2017 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.