Trump to lawmakers: ‘Why do we need more Haitians?’: report

Trump reportedly told the lawmakers that immigrants from Haiti should be left out of any bipartisan immigration deal.

{mosads}The Post also reported Thursday that in the same meeting, Trump referred to immigrants from Haiti and African nations as coming from “shithole countries.”

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

Trump then reportedly said the U.S. should bring in more immigrants from countries such as Norway.

Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) were present at the meeting and were surprised by the comments, according to the Post.

In a statement, the White House did not deny Trump’s “shithole” comments.

“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.

“The president will only accept an immigration deal that adequately addresses the visa lottery system and chain migration — two programs that hurt our economy and allow terrorists into our country,” he continued. “Like other nations that have merit-based immigration, President Trump is fighting for permanent solutions that make our country stronger by welcoming those who can contribute to our society, grow our economy and assimilate into our great nation.”

Trump’s remarks sparked outrage from both sides of the aisle, with Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) calling on Trump to give a “detailed explanation” for his remarks and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) calling Trump’s comment “racism masquerading poorly as immigration policy.”