President Trump said Friday he was “surprised” by the number of times Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wore blackface, as the emerging scandal rocks the prime minister’s reelection campaign.
“And I was more surprised when I saw the number of times,” Mr. Trump said during a White House meeting with the Australian prime minister.
Mr. Trump said he was hoping no one would ask him about it.
“I’ve always had a good relationship with Justin,” Mr. Trump said, although the leaders have sparred at times, notably after last year’s G-7 Summit in Quebec.
Mr. Trudeau admitted to wearing darkened skin during an “Arabian Nights” party in 2001, and wearing blackface while singing “Day-O” at a high school event.
Global News reported a third instance of Mr. Trudeau wearing blackface, from the 1990s.
The allegations are upending Mr. Trudeau’s bid for reelection.
Mr. Trudeau has apologized to Canadians of color.
“What I did hurt them, hurt people who shouldn’t have to face intolerance and discrimination because of their identity,” he said.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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