"How Republican Lawmakers Responded to Trump’s Vulgar Immigration Remarks
By Alicia Parlapiano, Thomas Kaplan, Emily Baumgaertner, www.nytimes.comView OriginalJanuary 13th, 2018
Reports that President Trump referred to African nations as “shithole countries” and disparaged Haitians during an immigration meeting on Thursday prompted outcry from some lawmakers, but his comments were followed by notable silence from others. Here’s how Republicans in the House leadership, the Senate and other lawmakers who attended the meeting have responded:
Denounced the President’s Comments
Some lawmakers specifically criticized the president, while others countered the sentiment of his remarks.
Senator Roy Blunt Mo.
Senator John Boozman Ark.
“Our country is made of immigrants. This diversity is what makes our country great and something all citizens should be proud of. No matter where people come from, they all deserve dignity and respect.”
Senator Susan Collins Maine
Senator Jeff Flake Ariz.
Senator Lindsey Graham S.C. AT THE MEETING
“Following comments by the president, I said my piece directly to him yesterday. The president and all those attending the meeting know what I said and how I feel. I’ve always believed that America is an idea, not defined by its people but by its ideals.” »
Senator Charles E. Grassley Iowa
“I think it detracts from the very important issue we got to get solved by March the 5th," the deadline for Congress to find a fix for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, which Mr. Trump is ending. "Bottom line, all people ought to be treated with respect.” »
Senator Orrin G. Hatch Utah
Senator Johnny Isakson Ga.
“I did not hear it, but if it’s true, he owes the people of Haiti and all mankind an apology. That is not the kind of statement the leader of the free world ought to make, and he ought to be ashamed of himself. If he did not make it, he needs to corroborate the fact and prove it and then move forward.” »
Senator Ron Johnson Wis.
“Totally inappropriate and he should apologize. When you enter the public realm, I don't care what your past was, I don't know what kind of salty language you might have used, you stop doing it. You have a certain responsibility, a certain decorum that you need to conduct yourself in public with. You have children watching. You have nations watching.” »
Senator James Lankford Okla.
“If these comments are accurate, they are disappointing. I would not talk about nations like this, because the people of those countries are made in the image of God and have worth and human dignity. The United States should lead the world in respect for all people.”
Senator Mike Lee Utah
“The comments attributed to the president are insulting and distracting.”
Senator John McCain Ariz.
Senator Lisa Murkowski Alaska
“What the president said is offensive and doesn't reflect who we are as a country. It is particularly offensive just days ahead of our recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King. I am disappointed and suggest we move quickly to resolve the status of the Dreamers in a way that truly reflects our values.” »
Senator Rob Portman Ohio
“I wasn’t there, but if he said those things, it’s wrong and indefensible.”
Senator Pat Roberts Kan.
“Allegedly it’s an off-hand remark, but even that, it’s most unfortunate. I try to stick to my business, committees, and get us a good farm bill. I’ve worked with the president. He’s been very personable. That kind of language wasn’t used. So I regret it.” »
Senator Marco Rubio Fla.
Senator Tim Scott S.C.
“If these comments are the president’s words, they are disappointing to say the least. The American family was born from immigrants fleeing persecution and poverty and searching for a better future. Our strength lies in our diversity, including those who came here from Africa, the Caribbean and every other corner of the world.”
Senator Patrick J. Toomey Pa.
“I hope the president retracts the suggestion, attributed to him yesterday, that America should not want immigrants from countries which he was accused of describing disparagingly. There are great people — many of whom would make great Americans — in every country on the face of the earth.”
House Speaker Paul D. Ryan Wis.
“So, first thing that came to my mind was very unfortunate, unhelpful.”
“I think it's a big part of our strength, whether you're coming from Haiti — we've got great friends from Africa in Janesville who are doctors who are just incredible citizens. And I just think it's important that we celebrate that.”
Sidestepped or Did Not Denounce the President’s Comments
A handful of Republican lawmakers who attended the immigration meeting at the White House either said they did not recall the president’s comments or did not directly address them. Others sidestepped the controversy or did not directly denounce the president’s comments.
Senator Bill Cassidy La.
Senator Tom Cotton Ark. AT THE MEETING
Senator David Perdue Ga. AT THE MEETING
Senator Ted Cruz Tex.
“I wasn't in the meeting with the president, so I don’t know what he did or didn't say. I can tell you, in my family, Heidi, as a child, lived in Africa. She lived in Kenya and Nigeria when her parents were missionaries there. And my brother-in-law, Heidi’s older brother, has been a missionary with his wife and sons in Haiti for many years.”
“I can tell you the approach that I’ve tried to take in Washington is to stay out of the nastiness and the attacks and the ‘he said, she said,’ and the insults, and try to focus on substance, try to focus on results, delivering results.” »
Representative Mario Diaz-Balart Fla. AT THE MEETING"
How Republican Lawmakers Responded to Trump’s Vulgar Immigration Remarks - The New York Times
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