In the Wake of Controversy Over a Quote; Trump: I Am Not a Racist

Following the publication of statements attributed to the U.S. President regarding African immigrants, Donald Trump told reporters: 'You have never interviewed anyone who has less of a sign of racism than I do.' Last week, several news sources reported that Mr. Trump, in a joint meeting with a group of Republican and Democratic senators at the White House, described African countries and Haiti using a derogatory term equivalent to 'shithole' in Persian. According to the quoted statements, Donald Trump asked why citizens of these countries should be allowed to enter the U.S. He simultaneously called for an increase in the acceptance of immigrants from countries like Norway. Hours after the U.S. media reported on these remarks, the White House, without directly denying the quotes, issued a statement saying that Trump supports immigration policies based on accepting individuals who contribute to American society. Raj Shah, the White House spokesperson, stated, 'Some political figures in Washington fight for the benefit of foreign countries, but President Trump always fights for the benefit of the American people.' On January 24, at his private golf club in Florida, Donald Trump told reporters: 'I am not a racist. You have never interviewed anyone who has less of a sign of racism than I do. That’s what I can tell you.' The quoted remarks from Mr. Trump sparked a wave of reactions and criticisms directed at the U.S. President, both within the United States and abroad.