Republicans, former presidents and more answer social media call to protest Donald Trump

Donald Trump's remarks about the Charlottesville attacks have sparked outrage on social media, with many calling for a united front to hold the president to account.

Authors, journalists and models have all been voicing their thoughts on what has been one of the most controversial weeks of Trump's presidency so far.

Trump initially blamed "many sides" for the attacks which lead to the death of one protester and left another 19 injured.

On Monday (14 August), after increasing political pressure, Trump condemned white supremacist groups and neo-Nazis.

But those words were undone on Tuesday when he said: "You had a group on the other side that came charging in without a permit and they were very, very violent."

On social media, the reaction to this has been overwhelmingly negative.

The author Stephen King said that "Trump must be removed. Republicans, stand up to this obscene man."

The journalist and author David Maraniss said: "The living former presidents - Bushes, Carter, Clinton & Obama- should make a joint statement calling on the racist Trump to resign."

It is rare for former US presidents to comment on and incumbent's tenure, but tweets from the likes of Barack Obama, condemning some of the recent violence have ended up setting records on Twitter.

Elsewhere, George H W Bush and his son George W Bush said: "America must always reject bigotry, anti-Semitism and hatred in all forms.

"As we pray for Charlottesville, we are reminded of the fundamental truths recorded by that city's most prominent citizen in the Declaration in Independence: We are all created equal and endowed by our Creator with unalienable rights.

"We know these truths to be everlasting because we have seen the decency and greatness of our country."

Harry Potter author JK Rowling, who has been a regular critic of Trump, said: "One good thing about that abomination of a speech: it's now impossible for any Trump supporter to pretend they don't know what he is."

Republicans have come under increasing pressure to disavow Trump and his comments.

The House leader, Paul Ryan tweeted on Tuesday that: "We must be clear. White supremacy is repulsive. This bigotry is counter to all this country stands for. There can be no moral ambiguity."

And on Wednesday, the Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell issued a statement saying: "The white supremacist, KKK, and neo-nazi groups who brought hatred and violence to Charlottesville are now planning a rally in Lexington. Their messages of hate and bigotry are not welcome in Kentucky and should not be welcome anywhere in America.

"We can have no tolerance for an ideology of racial hatred. There are no good neo-nazis, and those who espouse their views are not supporters of American ideals and freedoms. We all have a responsibility to stand against hate and violence, wherever it raises its evil head."

"The hate and bigotry witnessed in Charlottesville does not reflect American values. I wholeheartedly oppose their actions."