Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego (Ariz.) said that President Donald Trump is "clearly racist" and an "abject liar" during an appearance Tuesday on CNN.
Gallego spoke to host John Berman about Trump's comments following the recent violence in Charlottesville, Va.
"I've said it very clearly; the president is clearly racist," Gallego said. "Many people may not want to admit it, that we've elected a president that is racist, but he is. And we just have to accept it, and we have to work within the confines of that."
Gallego said he believes Trump is scheduled to visit his state of Arizona to "stoke his base up"—to talk about the border wall and get his base excited about it again.
The president is scheduled to attend a downtown Phoenix rally on Tuesday evening. One of Trump's Arizona speeches during the 2016 presidential campaign was highly publicized when he made "fiery remarks" on immigration, according to the New York Times.
The Democratic lawmaker continued the conversation by reiterating accusations of racism.
"The evidence is staring us in the face: the president is racist," Gallego said.
Berman questioned whether Gallego meant exactly what he said, or if he meant a different wording.
"When you say someone is racist, you are saying what that person believes, how he feels about people of another race," he said. "And to call the president of the United States a racist is a big statement."
"Yeah, I kind of realize that, and that's why I'm saying it," Gallego said. "And it's sad that I have to say it."
Gallego said it is unfortunate no one will admit it, but the United States has a racist president and either needs to "vote him out" or "learn to deal with it."
Berman pushed back, citing Trump's description of himself as the "least racist" person.
"He says—these are his own words—he is the least racist person you've ever met," Berman said.
"He says a lot of things, but look, one, we have to also admit that he is just an abject liar," Gallego said. "No one is going to admit that they are racist, but the man is. I apologize to the American public, but we elected a racist as president."
As Berman signed off, Gallego reminded the audience and host one more time that he is not a fan of racism.
"Congressman Ruben Gallego of Arizona, clearly no fan of the president or his trip to your home state of Arizona tonight—," Berman said before he was cut off by Gallego.
"Or racism," Gallego interjected.