Trump Mocks Paralympians At White House Reception

During a ceremony meant to honor U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes on Friday, Trump awkwardly told the press that he found the Paralympics "a little tough to watch" but he watched “as much as I could.”

TRUMP (talking about Paralympians): It's a little tough to watch, but I watched as much as I could.

Imagine losing your legs then fighting your way to the top of a new sport only to be INSULTED by the President of the United States.pic.twitter.com/algPdZL4Sb

— Mikel Jollett (@Mikel_Jollett) April 27, 2018

The Paralympics organization took the high road reminding the president that billions of people, including myself, enjoy watching the games.

“Record numbers around the world are not finding @Paralympics tough to watch. Billions of viewers now take in the Paralympics in hundreds of countries around the world. We hope the US President continues to watch and be inspired by the Paralympics,” the organizers tweeted.

If you follow me on Twitter, you know I'm a big supporter and fan of the Paralympic Games.

I'm horrified that Trump could sink this low.

It seems I'm not alone.

All US Olympians and Paralympians are invited to visit the White House and meet the President after the Games. Today is this year's visit and USOC spokesperson says he's never seen so many athletes turn down their invites. The resistance is real. https://t.co/6mKJGicWDS

— Gus Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) April 26, 2018

Olympians from the 2018 Games have been invited to go to the White House today. I will not be going. I will not stand with people who discriminate against those that they perceive as different. In lieu of going to DC, I have donated to a few of my favorite causes 🙆🏼‍♂️❤️ https://t.co/qDXqswTHdF

— Adam Rippon (@Adaripp) April 27, 2018

Current mood: Having no regrets about missing this trip. https://t.co/xxcKxKz6NL

— Adam Rippon (@Adaripp) April 28, 2018

I miss the days when the Team USA White House visit didn't include a part where the President made fun of our Paralympic team... pic.twitter.com/4QJ5B7kQ58

— Gus Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) April 28, 2018

Record numbers around the world are not finding @Paralympics tough to watch. Billions of viewers now take in the Paralympics in hundreds of countries around the world. We hope the US President continues to watch and be inspired by the Paralympics. https://t.co/3jhr5Fd8tT

— Paralympic Games (@Paralympics) April 28, 2018