US diplomats summoned to explain Trump’s ‘s—hole’ remark: report

U.S. diplomats from Haiti, Botswana, and Senegal were reportedly all pressed Friday to explain President Trump’s recent comments on Thursday, in which he allegedly referred to Haiti and African nations as “shithole countries.”

The Associated Press reported upheaval in foreign countries following the alleged remark, citing State Department officials.

Botswana’s government on Friday announced it was inquiring about the comments through its U.S. ambassador, while the president of Senegal condemned the reported remarks. 

PRESS RELEASE |Botswana condemns remarks made by President Trump @VensonMoitoi @MIACBW @OfficialMasisi pic.twitter.com/16i7CUMR4x

— Botswana Government (@BWGovernment) January 12, 2018 

President of Senegal: “I am shocked by the words of President Trump on Haiti and Africa. I reject them and condemn them vigorously. Africa and the black race deserves the respect and consideration of all.” pic.twitter.com/vRHa3axXoN

— NBC News (@NBCNews) January 12, 2018

{mosads}The AP reported that the State Department told the diplomats they should prepare to get an “earful” from the countries’ officials and that they should aim to focus on certain areas of interest, such as trade, as a means of preserving the diplomatic relationships. 

Undersecretary of State Steve Goldstein said that the president has the right to “make whatever remark he chooses” and that it was the diplomats’ duty to send the message to other countries that the U.S. “cares greatly about the people that are there.”

The Washington Post reported on Thursday that the president made the remarks during an Oval Office meeting on immigration reform. 

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

Trump appeared to deny he made the comments in a tweet on Friday, but the AP reported that privately he has defended the remark as a “straightforward” assessment of conditions in the countries under discussion.

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