DES MOINES, Iowa — Pete Buttigieg said President Trump's policies and rhetoric hurt the mental health of young minorities and transgender people during a forum on issues facing black and Hispanic communities.

"No question," the former South Bend, Indiana, mayor, 38, said Monday when asked by a moderator about whether Trump is hurting the psychological well-being of minority children in the country. "When you believe the leader of your own country doesn't see you or doesn't want you to succeed, of course it is bad for your health."

Issues facing minority communities has been a major concern for Buttigieg's campaign, which has some of the lowest approval ratings among black voters out of the major 2020 Democrats.

During an interview with the New York Times earlier this month, Buttigieg was asked about his nickname "Mayo Pete." Although he claimed not to be familiar with it, Buttigieg did say he wished to be associated with a different condiment.

"Hopefully, it’s at least a better flavor. I don’t know," Buttigieg said. "I actually hate flavored mayo — they do this avocado stuff now, and it — because I only use mayo when I’m making tuna salad. And I want it as straightforward as possible."