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President Trump Confirms Using Controversial “Shithole Countries” Remark at Pennsylvania Rally
Former President Donald Trump publicly acknowledged Tuesday that he had indeed used the term “shithole countries” to describe Haiti and African nations during a 2018 White House meeting, confirming a controversial remark he had previously denied making.
Speaking at a rally in Pennsylvania, Trump not only admitted to the inflammatory comment but appeared to take pride in it, further disparaging Somalia as “filthy, dirty, disgusting, ridden with crime” to an enthusiastic crowd.
The admission came as Trump discussed his recently announced “permanent pause on Third World migration” policy proposal. When someone in the audience shouted out a reference to his 2018 comment, Trump readily recounted the incident.
“We had a meeting and I said, ‘Why is it we only take people from shithole countries, right? Why can’t we have some people from Norway, Sweden?'” Trump told the crowd, closely matching accounts provided by those who were briefed on the original Oval Office meeting.
At the time of the incident in January 2018, the controversial remarks sparked international outrage when they were first reported. The White House never explicitly denied the comments, though Trump himself took to Twitter the following day, claiming “this was not the language I used” and insisting he “never said anything derogatory about Haitians.”
The original comments emerged during discussions with lawmakers about immigration policies affecting people from Haiti, El Salvador, and various African countries. Multiple sources confirmed that Trump had questioned why the United States would want immigrants from these nations rather than from countries like Norway.
The international backlash was swift and severe. Botswana’s government formally summoned the U.S. ambassador to explain the remarks, while Senegal’s President Macky Sall expressed shock, stating, “Africa and the Black race merit the respect and consideration of all.” Several Republican lawmakers also distanced themselves from the president’s language.
Trump’s willingness to publicly embrace these previously denied remarks illustrates a significant shift in political discourse since his first term. Political analysts note that such admissions would have been considered career-ending for previous presidents, but Trump has consistently pushed beyond traditional boundaries of presidential decorum.
This pattern has continued throughout his post-presidency period and current campaign. Earlier this year, Trump used profane language including the F-word on two separate occasions during public appearances with media present. More recently, on Thanksgiving, he posted lengthy social media messages denigrating Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, using a dated slur for intellectually disabled people. When questioned by reporters about using terminology many Americans find offensive, Trump remained unrepentant, saying, “Yeah. I think there’s something wrong with him.”
Trump’s immigration rhetoric has remained a cornerstone of his political identity since his initial presidential run. His campaign continues to focus heavily on border security and limiting immigration from certain countries, policies that resonate strongly with his base supporters.
Immigration policy experts note that such language potentially complicates U.S. diplomatic relations with nations characterized in such terms. Several former State Department officials have expressed concern that embracing rather than disavowing such remarks could undermine decades of diplomatic efforts in regions where the United States has significant strategic interests.
The Pennsylvania rally represents the latest example of Trump’s unconventional approach to campaign rhetoric as he seeks to recapture the presidency in 2024, continuing to embrace controversial statements that energize his supporters while alienating critics.
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9 Comments
Interesting to see Trump embrace a remark he previously denied. It speaks to his confrontational approach and willingness to court controversy, even on sensitive issues like immigration.
Yes, his unfiltered style certainly sets him apart. But one has to wonder if it’s the best way to lead and unify a divided country.
Trump’s unapologetic comments about ‘shithole countries’ reinforce his hardline stance on immigration. Whether one agrees with him or not, his blunt rhetoric seems to resonate with his base.
True, his supporters likely see his unfiltered comments as refreshing. But I worry they further divide the country and demonize entire nations and peoples.
It’s concerning to see a former president so openly use derogatory language about entire nations. While Trump’s supporters may applaud his refusal to back down, his words carry weight and can have real consequences.
I’m not surprised Trump doubled down on his ‘shithole countries’ remark. As polarizing as he is, his supporters will likely applaud his refusal to back down. This issue speaks to the deep divide over immigration in the US.
Interesting to see Trump openly acknowledge using that derogatory term. While I don’t agree with his views, it’s at least more honest than denying it. This will likely continue to stir debate around his controversial immigration policies.
Regardless of one’s political views, Trump’s use of such inflammatory language is concerning. As a leader, he should be more mindful of the impact his words can have, even if they appeal to his base.
Trump’s comments on ‘shithole countries’ are sure to stir up more debate around his immigration policies. While his supporters may appreciate his bluntness, it’s a risky strategy that could further polarize the country.