Dem senator apologizes to immigrants for Trump ‘s—hole’ comment

Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) apologized to immigrants over President Trump’s reported comments calling Haiti, El Salvador and African nations “shithole countries.”

“I honestly cannot imagine the pain that those Oval Office comments are causing for immigrants and people of color everywhere. That does not represent who we are as a country,” Schatz tweeted Thursday.

{mosads}

“I’m sorry, and we are fighting for you.” 

I honestly cannot imagine the pain that those Oval Office comments are causing for immigrants and people of color everywhere. That does not represent who we are as a country. I’m sorry, and we are fighting for you.

— Brian Schatz (@brianschatz) January 11, 2018

The Washington Post reported Thursday that Trump had made the comments during an Oval Office meeting with lawmakers about immigration.

“Why are we having all these people from shithole countries come here?” Trump reportedly said.

He also said the U.S. should bring in more people from countries like Norway.

The White House didn’t deny the comment, but Trump denied the remarks on Twitter Friday.

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

The reported comments sparked backlash from both sides of the aisle and set off a firestorm across Washington that extended from Thursday evening into Friday morning.