Trump will not speak publicly at Mississippi Civil Rights Museum opening

Show Caption Hide Caption Mississippi Civil Rights Museum Mississippi Civil Rights Museum Director Pamela Junior talks about the new museum's central exhibition before presenting a question which may provoke introspection in visitors.

JACKSON, Miss. — President Trump will not speak publicly when he visits the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum as part of the grand opening celebration.

Gov. Phil Bryant’s office announced late Thursday night that the president would take a tour of the museum that morning before speaking inside to an audience of “civil rights veterans, museum patrons and elected officials.” Trump will not address the general public as part of the larger grand opening celebration.

The White House confirmed Wednesday that the president would visit Mississippi as part of the state's bicentennial celebration. While no plans had been publicly announced, Trump was expected to speak as part of the public celebration, which including the grand opening of the Mississippi History Museum and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.

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The announcement of Trump's visit set off a firestorm of protests and counterprotests. Several civil rights veterans, elected officials and high profile visitors announced they would not attend Saturday's festivities because of Trump's participation, citing some of the president's past remarks that many have considered insensitive toward minorities or supportive of racist groups.

U.S. Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., a civil rights icon, was the highest profile official to cancel an appearance. He and Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., made a joint statement Thursday announcing their decision to not attend. Former U.S. Navy Secretary and Gov. Ray Mabus also said he would not attend.

Follow Sam R. Hall on Twitter: @samrhall