Stunned by President Donald Trump’s reported remarks against countries including Haiti and African countries – denied by him later – American lawmakers and human rights organizations have reacted strongly to with strong criticism.
The Washington Post was the first to report that President Rump used derogatory language during the discussions on immigration, arguing why the United States should be taking migrants from “shithole countries.”
He was reportedly referring to Haiti, African countries and El Salvador. Instead, the U.S. president argued that America should take in migrants from countries like Norway.
Never said anything derogatory about Haitians other than Haiti is, obviously, a very poor and troubled country. Never said “take them out.” Made up by Dems. I have a wonderful relationship with Haitians. Probably should record future meetings – unfortunately, no trust!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018
The United Nations human rights office termed the reported comments as “shocking”with a spokesman accusing Trump of being a racist. The African Union has also criticized Trump’s remarks.
But at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, a spokesman for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reacted cautiously, citing the denial by President Trump of his reported remarks.
American lawmakers also reacted strongly to reported remarks.
House Speaker Paul Ryan termed President Trump’s remarks as “unhelpful” and “unfortunate.”
“The comments are unkind, divisive, elitist, and fly in the face of our nation’s values,” Utah Republican Mia Love, who is of Haitian origin, said.
“My parents came from one of those countries but proudly took an oath of allegiance to the United States and took on the responsibilities of everything that being a citizen comes with,” Love’ said in a statement.
The language used by me at the DACA meeting was tough, but this was not the language used. What was really tough was the outlandish proposal made – a big setback for DACA!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018
Senator Tim Scott, who is the only Republican African-American in the chamber, also criticized the comments.
“The American family was born from immigrants fleeing persecution and poverty and searching for a better future.Our strength lies in our diversity, including those who came here from Africa, the Caribbean and every other corner of the world. To deny these facts would be to ignore the brightest part of our history,” the legislator from South Carolina said.
