I don't know if not confronting them is the right answer either. It makes it look like your town/city is okay with racism.
But, I don't know Trump's feelings about what happened. I just know that he missed a HUGE opportunity to score points. My brother, who pretty much hates Trump, even told me that if Trump just did what he should've done and condemned the white nationalists, and not said, "from all sides", he would've won a lot of respect with him. But of course Trump didn't do that.
In my opinion, big mistake. Unless his supporters really are racists and would get mad at him for condemning a racist hate movement.
No matter what Trump said you and your brother wouldn't be happy. If he would have said anything near what you say he should have said you would be just accusing him of pandering.
Not really. I'd have thought, "Well, at least he's not a hypocrite (this time). He did what Obama wouldn't do. He called it by its name."
Instead, I thought, "Wow ... this guy really went after Obama all that time for refusing to call it what it is, and now he does the same damn thing? What a hypocrite!!"
And that was my brother's reaction as well.
All he needed to do was say a few words condemning the hate group's actions and mourn the loss of those who were killed or injured. Big win with little cost. Instead he muddied the waters and brought a whirlwind of criticism on himself.