Dems And GOP Unite To Condemn Trump's 'Deplorable' Statement

NORTH JERSEY, NJ — Politicians both sides of the aisle condemned remarks President Donald Trump made in reaction to a deal that includes protections for people from some African nations and Haiti.

Trump denied he characterized El Salvador and nations in Africa as "s---hole countries." But Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin confirmed Friday morning he heard the president repeatedly use vulgar and racist language to describe U.S. immigrants from Haiti and certain African countries.

Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ-5) said in a statement issued Friday afternoon that Trump's remarks were "deplorable" and "deserve universal condemnation."

"The ‘Dreamers’ are young people who were brought to our country through no fault of their own, often as young children, by their parents," Frelinghuysen said. "For many, this is the only country they have ever known."

Mieke Sherrill, Frelinghuysen's Democratic challenger, called the remarks "abhorrent, unconscionable and unbecoming of the highest office in the land."

"They are further proof of his inherent ability to divide us when he should be uniting us and inciting hatred when he should be promoting hope," Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot from Montclair, said in a statement. "Now, more than ever, we need to protect and fight to uphold the values and principals that have served to define us as Americans by condemning this repugnant behavior. We need our leaders in Washington, on both sides of the aisle, to speak up and stand united against this blatant racist rhetoric."

Frelinghuysen said he "looks forward" to supporting legislation that provides a comprehensive solution to their plight."

White House spokesman Raj Shah did not deny the accuracy of Trump's immigration comments after they were reported by the Washington Post on Thursday. Shah, instead, reinforced the president's commitment to immigration reform.

"Certain Washington politicians choose to fight for foreign countries, but President Trump will always fight for the American people," he said.

Also Watch: Trump Denies Making 'S***hole Countries' Comment in DACA Meeting

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Photo: President Donald Trump/By Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images News