Trump Doesn’t Regret Saying Obama Founded ISIS: He’s ‘Literally’ Its 'MVP'

On Wednesday, Donald Trump said President Obama was the "founder of ISIS."

This is an incredibly unfounded and offensive remark. But it's also not the first comment like this from Trump, and a lot of people don't seem to think this is even close to the worst thing he's said this election cycle.

Just to clear things up, in case there's still any confusion: ISIS was founded by a man named Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, not President Obama.

There are certainly decisions US leaders have made that are linked to the rise of ISIS.

Many argue the 2003 Iraq War was the primary cause of the formation of ISIS. Others also contend the decision to withdrawal US troops from Iraq in 2011 created a huge opportunity for the terror group.

But it's not fair, nor is it accurate, to specifically blame any American leader for the genesis of ISIS.

The terrorist organization's history is complicated and, in many ways, linked to events that occurred decades ago.

Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was killed by America in 2006, and ISIS is currently led by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. They are a large part of the reason we're witnessing the worst refugee crisis since WWII.

But Trump doesn't seem to care about the facts. On Thursday, he doubled down on his remarks.

Hugh Hewitt asked Trump whether him referring to Obama as the "founder of ISIS" was in reference to his decision to pull US troops out of Iraq and the power vacuum this created. Trump replied,

No, I meant he's the founder of ISIS. I do. He was the most valuable player. I give him the most valuable player award. I give her, too, by the way, Hillary Clinton... The way [Obama] got out of Iraq was that that was the founding of ISIS, okay?

Yep, Trump just called President Obama the "MVP" of ISIS and basically labeled the first female presidential nominee for a major political party the co-MVP.

Perhaps the Republican presidential nominee should consider how many ISIS fighters the president is responsible for killing. I don't think these terrorists would agree he's their MVP.

A few people pointed out Trump's remarks can also be seen as hypocritical when you consider his inconsistent stance on the Iraq War.

Some have also pointed out Trump's suggestion Obama founded ISIS coincides with a narrative pushed by Russia.

There's no question about this: President Obama is not the founder of ISIS. But it's pretty ridiculous we're even having this conversation.

Citations: CNN