Bill Clinton on ‘s—hole’ comment: The countries described ‘do not exist’

Former President Clinton pushed back on President Trump’s reported comments calling Haiti, El Salvador and African nations “shithole countries” on Friday, saying the countries the president described with his comments “do not exist.”

“I’ve traveled and worked in Haiti, and across Africa and Central America. The countries the president described with his epithet do not exist,” Clinton said in a tweet.  

I’ve traveled and worked in Haiti, and across Africa and Central America. The countries the president described with his epithet do not exist. Some thoughts as we remember those lost in Haiti eight years ago today: https://t.co/iXJwEAo2f6

— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) January 12, 2018

The former president, in a Facebook post, went on to express his admiration for the people of Haiti on the eight-year anniversary of the earthquake that took the lives of thousands of people on the island.

“Working in Haiti, for the [United Nations] and as a private citizen, is one of the great honors of my life. I have found the people to be creative, hardworking, brave, and persistent,” Clinton said. 

Clinton’s comments come after The Washington Post on Thursday reported on the president’s comments about the countries made during a bipartisan meeting with lawmakers on immigration reform.

Trump denied making the comments in a tweet on Friday.

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 comments have drawn outrage on both sides of the aisle. 

A frequent Trump ally, Gov. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), blasted the remarks, calling them “absolutely wrong” if true.

Clinton’s wife and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton also ripped the remarks, dubbing them “racist” and “ignorant.”

The anniversary of the devastating earthquake 8 years ago is a day to remember the tragedy, honor the resilient people of Haiti, & affirm America’s commitment to helping our neighbors. Instead, we‘re subjected to Trump’s ignorant, racist views of anyone who doesn’t look like him.

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) January 12, 2018