President Donald Trump on Monday explicitly condemned white supremacists and "racist" violence, two days after he faced backlash for what many saw as a tepid response to deadly violence at a white nationalist rally.

"Racism is evil, and those who cause violence in its name are criminals and thugs, including the KKK, neo-Nazis, white supremacists and other hate groups that are repugnant to everything we hold dear as Americans," Trump said at the White House.

Trump's remarks Monday, which came only after significant pressure, likely will not go far enough for critics who felt he should have used that language on Saturday. He also made them Monday after starting his statement by touting stock market records, low unemployment and business optimism.

A white supremacist from Ohio allegedly rammed a car into counterprotesters in Charlottesville, Virginia, killing one and injuring 19. Two police officers aiding the law enforcement efforts for the rally also died in a helicopter crash, but authorities do not suspect foul play.