FILE - In a Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017 file photo, President Donald Trump talks with reporters as he departs from the South Lawn of the White House via Marine One in Washington, to spend the weekend at Camp David in Maryland. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)
FILE - In a Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017 file photo, President Donald Trump talks with reporters as he departs from the South Lawn of the White House via Marine One in Washington, to spend the weekend at Camp David in Maryland. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File) Credit: Susan Walsh

The four members of New Hampshire’s all-Democratic congressional delegation are heavily criticizing President Donald Trump after he reportedly derided Haiti and African nations as “shithole counties” during a White House discussion over immigration.

“This kind of language is reprehensible and unacceptable in any setting, but to come from the President of the United States is particularly troubling and beneath the dignity of the office,” Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said in a statement provided to the Monitor.

“Sadly, this isn’t the first time we’ve heard President Trump use prejudiced language, in fact, he campaigned on it,” Shaheen added.

Sen. Maggie Hassan took to Twitter to describe the comments as “disgraceful.”

“These comments do not represent America and they are an affront to the inclusive values that make us strong,” she added.

And on the latest edition of Pints and Politics on WKXL radio, Hassan called Trump’s reported words “appalling and inappropriate for any adult to say.”

Rep. Carol Shea-Porter, who represents the state’s First Congressional District, wrote on Twitter that “Trump continues to degrade the presidency. His racist language attacks the fundamental, shared values we all seek to uphold as Americans. I am disgusted.”

And Second District Congresswoman Annie Kuster took to Twitter to say that Trump “has once again disgraced the Office of the President and embarrassed the United States of America.”

 

The President reportedly used the vulgar language on Thursday during an Oval Office meeting with top U.S. Senators as he rejected a bipartisan immigration deal. Trump questioned why the U.S. would accept more immigrants from Haiti and “shithole countries” in Africa rather than places like Norway, as he rejected a bipartisan immigration deal, according to people briefed on the extraordinary conversation.

Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, who attended the meeting, said on Friday that the President did say the vulgar comment.

But the President denied that he had said the word “shithole.”

“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!” he wrote on Twitter Friday.

And one of Trump’s biggest supporters in New Hampshire is standing by the President.

State Rep. Al Baldasaro of Londonderry wrote on Twitter that “Liberal Fake News never ends.” 

And Baldasaro’s message to Democrats and the media was to “get your head out of your butts and focus on real issues facing U.S.”

 

The top Democrat in the state Senate urged Republican Gov. Chris Sununu to condemn the President’s comments.

“I’m calling on Governor Sununu to condemn the disparaging comments made by President Trump,” wrote Senate Minority Leader Jeff Woodburn.

“These comments, made by the head of the Republican Party, are a direct attack on New Hampshire’s vibrant new American communities and the diversity that makes us a strong state and nation. I hope Governor Sununu will do the right thing and immediately condemn the President’s statement,” he added.

The Monitor reached out to the governor’s office for comment, but did not receive a response.