"What can I say? We all make mistakes," said United States President Donald Trump, apologizing to neoconservative supporters for the fact that, unlike many prominent politicians, he never dressed in racist blackface in his teens, college years, or beyond. "Please believe me when I say that I am truly sorry."
The president explained that during his high school and college years, he was too busy playing sports and, later, with his business ventures, to participate in many school activities like drama club or theater groups, and never even attended a costume party. As a result, the opportunity to dress in blackface never organically presented itself.
"Of course, I could have created that opportunity," he acknowledged. "It just wasn't something that ever crossed my mind. Who knows what we're thinking when we're young?" He sighed. "I regret that now."
Trump concluded by expressing his surprise over the blackface scandal involving Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who offered repeated, ardent apologies after multiple photos emerged showing him wearing skin-darkening makeup.
"No one should ever apologize for self-expression," said Trump. "Honestly, I lost a little respect for the prime minister after that. But again, we all make mistakes. It's time to move on."
