Rauner: Trump Comments On Virginia Violence 'Damage America'

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CBS/AP) — President Donald Trump's comments about the violence at a white nationalist rally in Virginia "damage America," Gov. Rauner said Wednesday.

It was one of the first times Rauner has taken a firm position about Trump or even uttered his name in front of reporters.

Trump has faced criticism, including from other Republicans, for saying there's "blame on both sides" for deadly violence in Charlottesville, Va. A 32-year-old woman was killed when a vehicle barreled through a street filled with peaceful counter protesters Saturday.

Asked Wednesday about Trump's remarks, Rauner said he "vehemently" disagrees.

On Monday, Rauner initially refused to call the violence "terrorism." After consulting with law enforcment officials, he later said it "absolutely an act of domestic terrorism."