Trump Criticized for Meeting with Far-Right Nick Fuentes

Facts

A number of prominent Republicans have joined Democrats in criticizing former Pres. Donald Trump for meeting with Nick Fuentes, a political commentator accused of being a white nationalist and anti-Semite, at his Mar-a-Lago residence.
The meeting occurred last week during a dinner Trump was hosting between himself and Kanye West, who has generated controversy recently due to comments that have largely been perceived as anti-Semitic. According to Trump, Fuentes accompanied West without his prior knowledge.
Trump — who recently announced his 2024 presidential bid — also said that the only reason he met with West in the first place was to help him, calling the rapper, “a seriously troubled man.”
Rep. James Comer (R-KY) criticized Trump over the meeting, stating that the former president, "certainly needs better judgment in who he dines with.” Comer also claimed that he would have avoided engaging with West or Fuentes.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R-AR) also criticized Trump, saying, "the last time I met with a white supremacist, it was in an armed standoff... So no, I don't think it's a good idea for a leader that's setting an example for the country or the party to meet with a vowed racist or antisemite."
In contrast, former Trump strategist Steve Bannon argued that the blame should be put on Trump's staff for allowing the meeting to happen. He said the dinner was intended to "insult Trump" and make it appear that the second-time presidential hopeful, "lacks judgment."

Pro-Trump narrative, as provided by Breitbart. This dinner was a mistake, but Trump simply didn't realize that Fuentes would be attending. Trump and West have had a strong relationship for years, and the former president just wanted to help a friend who is clearly going through an episode of bad mental health. Trump doesn't endorse the views of people like Fuentes.
Democratic narrative, as provided by USA Today. Trump is yet again flirting with white nationalism. Though he and his supporters are claiming that he didn't know that Fuentes would be attending the dinner, meeting with West after his recent anti-semitic remarks was a bad move anyway. Republicans need to disavow people like Fuentes and West, and make clear that racism and antisemitism have no place in the GOP.