The African Union is demanding an apology from President Trump after his vulgar remarks that the United States should not accept immigrants from “shithole countries.”
The group, which represents the 55 countries on the African continent, said that Trump’s remarks “dishonor the celebrated American creed and respect for diversity and human dignity,” and that the administration has a “huge misunderstanding” of the continent.
Trump’s comments were also condemned by a group of African ambassadors to the United Nations, who demanded a retraction and apology.
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The group called the remarks “outrageous, racist and xenophobic” while thanking those Americans who had condemned the remarks.
The criticisms were part of a worldwide outcry against Trump’s remarks during a private meeting with lawmakers in the White House on Thursday. While Trump said he used tough language in talking about immigration, he denied using the vulgar term to refer to Haiti — one of the countries reportedly denigrated.
Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), one of the lawmakers who attended the meeting, insisted Trump had used “hateful” language in the meeting, and said press reports quoting Trump as using the term “shithole” were accurate.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who Durbin said had confronted Trump over the remark, also released a statement saying he had spoken up to Trump about remarks he disagreed with, though he did not directly confirm Trump’s comments.
The outcry over Trump’s remarks dominated news coverage on Friday and has complicated efforts to reach a deal on immigration.
Lawmakers and the White House are seeking a deal that would prevent the deportation of young immigrants known as “Dreamers” who under former President Obama could apply for permission to work and stay in the United States.