Last night like many of you, we were disappointed to hear what President Trump allegedly stated about immigrants of color. As the President of the United States, his words matter and he should choose them carefully.
What He Said
President Trump allegedly said, “Why do we want all these people from Africa here? They’re shithole countries … We should have more people from Norway.” He allegedly also questioned the need for Haitian immigrants to stay in the country. Utah Congresswoman Mia Love, who is a Republican and of Haitian-descent, took issue to what Trump said and released the following statement on her Twitter:
Here is my statement on the President’s comments today: pic.twitter.com/EdtsFjc2zL
— Rep. Mia Love (@RepMiaLove) January 11, 2018
Mia Love isn’t the only person outraged. Many Americans are. This morning President Trump took to Twitter to deny these allegations. However, multiple sources have confirmed he made those hate-filled statements. The President’s credibility is also questionable (e.g., his denial of the infamous Access Hollywood tape, Russian investigation, birther movement, etc.).
Never said anything derogatory about Haitians other than Haiti is, obviously, a very poor and troubled country. Never said “take them out.” Made up by Dems. I have a wonderful relationship with Haitians. Probably should record future meetings – unfortunately, no trust!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018
Thinly-Veiled Racism
The late Maya Angelou once said, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” Some people may have given President Trump the benefit of the doubt when it came to race relations, but his constant hostility towards people of color is blatant. Remember when he called Mexicans, ‘drug dealers, criminals, and rapists’? How about when he called Sen. Elizabeth Warren “Pocahontas” in front of honored Navajo “code talkers”? Or when he referred to kneeling black NFL players as “sons of bitches”?
His constant vitriol about people of color is just thinly-veiled racism. The time has come to call it what it is. Not only should his party and supporters condemn his words, but so should he. It doesn’t matter where you come from. Americans (and those seeking to be Americans) are from diverse backgrounds. It is time for people like President Trump to understand that. That’s what makes America great!
Video credit: The New York Times | Youtube