“It doesn’t get worse, as far as I’m concerned,” President Donald Trump said of the attack on Jussie Smollett, pictured here speaking at the Children's Defense Fund California's 28th Annual Beat The Odds Awards. | Gabriel Olsen/Getty Images Politics Trump condemns 'horrible' attack on actor Jussie Smollett

President Donald Trump on Thursday called the attack on “Empire” star Jussie Smollett “horrible,” condemning the assault by individuals who the actor alleged referenced the president’s campaign slogan as they attacked him.

Smollett, who is black and openly gay, was attacked in Chicago just after 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, the Chicago Tribune reported , by two people who also poured an unknown chemical substance on the actor and wrapped a rope around his neck before fleeing the scene. The two assailants also allegedly yelled racial and homophobic slurs during the attack.


Police are investigating the episode as a potential hate crime.

“It doesn’t get worse, as far as I’m concerned,” Trump said of the attack during an Oval Office exchange with the White House press pool on Thursday.

Smollett told detectives that as the attackers wrapped the rope around his neck — which a friend of the actor described as a noose — they yelled, “This is MAGA country,” the Tribune reported . Trump did not comment on the alleged reference to his campaign slogan.

The 36-year-old actor was hospitalized and later released. In the days since, celebrities and politicians across the country have joined the chorus of condemnation and offered words of support to Smollett, an activist who has spoken out against Trump in the past. Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) sent a letter to FBI director Chris Wray calling for an immediate investigation of the attack.

Former Vice President Joe Biden tweeted on Tuesday night: “What happened today to @JussieSmollett must never be tolerated in this country. We must stand up and demand that we no longer give this hate safe harbor; that homophobia and racism have no place on our streets or in our hearts. We are with you, Jussie.”

Speaker Nancy Pelosi echoed : “The racist, homophobic attack on @JussieSmollett is an affront to our humanity. No one should be attacked for who they are or whom they love. I pray that Jussie has a speedy recovery & that justice is served. May we all commit to ending this hate once & for all.”

