Comey quotes Statue of Liberty poem in response to Trump ‘s—hole’ remark

Former FBI Director James Comey tweeted a part of “New Colossus,” the poem inscribed on the Statue of Liberty, in response to President Trump reportedly referring to Haiti, El Salvador and African nations as “shithole countries.”

“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” Comey tweeted Thursday.{mosads}

“This country’s greatness and true genius lies in its diversity,” he added.

“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” This country’s greatness and true genius lies in its diversity.

— James Comey (@Comey) January 11, 2018

The Washington Post reported Thursday that Trump had referred to the nations as “shithole countries” during a meeting with lawmakers at the White House.

“Why are we having all these people from shithole countries come here?” Trump said, according to The Post.

The White House didn’t deny that Trump had made the comments, but Trump pushed back against the report in a pair of tweets Friday morning. 

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

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

Trump fired Comey last May, a move that helped trigger events leading to special counsel Robert Mueller’s probe into Russia’s election interference.

Comey testified before Congress in June, saying he believed Trump had asked him to end an investigation into former national security adviser Michael Flynn. The former FBI director has emerged as a fierce critic of Trump since then.