- President Donald Trump reportedly asked why the US is "having all these people from shithole countries come here?" during an immigration meeting Thursday.
- Some within the White House reportedly believe the comment will resonate with Trump's supporters.
ADVERTISEMENT
White House staffers reportedly think Trump's 'shithole countries' remark will play well with his base
President Donald Trump reportedly asked why the US is "having all these people from shithole countries come here?" during an immigration meeting Thursday.
ADVERTISEMENT
Recommended articles
President Donald Trump prompted an outcry on Thursday after a bombshell report surfaced that he had referred to Haiti and African nations as "shithole countries" during a meeting on immigration with lawmakers.
But some White House staffers are unfazed by the remark because they believe it will resonate with Trump's supporters, CNN's Kaitlan Collins reported.
Instead, they predicted that Trump's base will be receptive to the comments in the same way they were when the president repeatedly attacked NFL players who knelt for the national anthem, according to CNN.
ADVERTISEMENT
In the exchange, which was first reported by The Washington Post, Trump asked, "
The White House has not denied that Trump made the comment, and even appeared to defend the overall sentiment in a statement released by deputy press secretary Raj Shah.
"Like other nations that have merit-based immigration, President Trump is fighting for permanent solutions that make our country stronger by welcoming those who can contribute to our society, grow our economy and assimilate into our great nation," the statement said.
"He will always reject temporary, weak and dangerous stopgap measures that threaten the lives of hardworking Americans, and undercut immigrants who seek a better life in the United States through a legal pathway."
FOLLOW BUSINESS INSIDER AFRICA
ADVERTISEMENT
Recommended articles
FBNBank Ghana changes to FirstBank Ghana to align with group identity
Nigeria restricts power export to neighbouring countries to meet domestic demand
NOG Energy Week 2024: West African countries harnessing gas for industrialisation to boost economic development
10 African countries with the smallest labor force
West Africa healthcare and pharmaceutical landscapes gets a boost: A look back at Medlab & Pharmaconex
10 countries with the most stressed workers in Africa
From 1,500 to 52,000: The student boom reshaping UK immigration laws
Russia and China are much less sneaky than the West - DRC president
