Blumenthal: Trump’s ‘s—hole’ comment is ‘racism masquerading poorly as immigration policy’

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) blasted President Trump’s reported comment Thursday referring to Haiti and some African nations as “shithole countries,” calling it “insidious racism masquerading poorly as immigration policy.”

Blumenthal told MSNBC’s Ari Melber that Trump doesn’t speak for him when he verbally trashes other countries from the nation’s highest office.

“This remark by the president of the United States smacks of blatant racism,” Blumenthal said. “The most odious and insidious racism masquerading poorly as immigration policy.”

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During an Oval Office meeting with lawmakers on Thursday to discuss immigration, Trump reportedly questioned why the U.S. accepts so many immigrants from “shithole countries” while discussing Haiti, El Salvador and some African countries.

Blumenthal went on to accuse the president of demeaning American values with his reported remarks.

“The president doesn’t speak for me as an American,” Blumenthal said. “He demeans and betrays American values with these kinds of remarks.”

Blumenthal joined a chorus of Democrats and some Republicans in criticizing Trump’s remarks Thursday, including Rep. Mia Love (R-Utah).

Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) called for the White House to clarify Trump’s remarks.

“I look forward to getting a more detailed explanation regarding the President’s comments. Part of what makes America so special is that we welcome the best and brightest in the world, regardless of their country of origin,” Hatch said in a statement from his office.

The White House did not deny the remark in a statement Thursday afternoon in response to The Washington Post’s report containing the quote.

“Certain Washington politicians choose to fight for foreign countries, but President Trump will always fight for the American people,” White House spokesman Raj Shah said in a statement.