President Trump on Twitter Monday blasted Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin, who stated the president used the phrase “s–thole countries,” referring to him as “Dicky” and blaming him for scuttling a deal to assist younger immigrants.
“Senator Dicky Durbin totally misrepresented what was said at the DACA meeting. Deals can’t get made when there is no trust! Durbin blew DACA and is hurting our Military.,” Trump posted on Monday.
Durbin, the one Democrat at a White House meeting last Thursday about immigration, stated Trump asked why the US continues to just accept immigrants from “s–thole countries” referring to Africa, Haiti and El Salvador.
The Illinois Democrat confirmed the comments on Friday after the Washington Post first reported them.
Trump “said things which were hate-filled, vile and racist,” Durbin informed reporters. “I use those words advisedly. I understand how powerful they are.”
The president denied making the comment however acknowledged that “the language used by me at the DACA meeting was tough, but this was not the language used,” referring to the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals program that was being debated during the gathering.
Sen. David Perdue, a Georgia Republican, stated on Sunday that the president didn’t use that language.
“I’m telling you he did not use that word, George. And I’m telling you it’s a gross misrepresentation,” Perdue, who on Friday stated he couldn’t recall what Trump said, during ABC’s “This Week.”
Sen. Tom Cotton, one other attendee who initially stated he didn’t recall Trump’s comments, and questioned Durbin’s recollection.
“I certainly didn’t hear what Sen. Durbin has said repeatedly. Sen. Durbin has a history of misrepresenting what happens in White House meetings, though. So perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised by that,” Cotton (R-Ark.) stated on CBS’ “Face The Nation.
The vulgar feedback continued to hang over Trump during the weekend while the nation celebrated the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
Speaking to reporters at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Sunday evening, Trump denied he was a racist.
No, no, I’m not a racist,” he stated. “I’m the least racist person you have ever interviewed.”
Amid the furor over the “s–thole” remarks, Trump signed a proclamation on Friday declaring Martin Luther King Jr. Day and encouraged “all Americans to observe this day with acts of civic work and community service.”
He spent Monday afternoon at his Florida resort.
The correct headline is DACA and Caca-holes.