Trump notes ‘remarkable achievements of Mexican Americans’ in Cinco de Mayo message

President Trump marked Cinco de Mayo on Sunday with a presidential message celebrating the “remarkable achievements of Mexican Americans.”

“As we honor the anniversary of this historic victory, we celebrate the courage and patriotism the Mexican soldiers exemplified in defeating the invading army of Napoleon III,” he said in a White House statement. 

{mosads} “We also acknowledge the remarkable achievements of Mexican Americans and the many contributions they have made, and continue to make, to our Nation,” he added. “Melania and I hope those who are celebrating enjoy today’s festivities. Feliz Cinco de Mayo!”

Trump has had a strained relationship with the Latino community due to his stance on immigration and comments he made on the 2016 campaign trail characterizing Mexican immigrants as “rapists” and accusing them of  “bringing crime” to the U.S.

His comments on Sunday echo his past Cinco de Mayo statements while in office. Last year, he hailed “the significant contributions of Mexican Americans to the United States.”

As a presidential candidate, Trump marked the holiday, which celebrates the Mexican Army’s defeat of the French in the Battle of Puebla in 1862, by tweeting a photo of himself eating a taco bowl from Trump Grill in New York City.

“Happy #CincoDeMayo! The best taco bowls are made in Trump Tower Grill. I love Hispanics!” the president tweeted in 2016. 

Happy #CincoDeMayo! The best taco bowls are made in Trump Tower Grill. I love Hispanics! https://t.co/ufoTeQd8yA pic.twitter.com/k01Mc6CuDI

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 5, 2016