Gov. Scott defends Florida’s Haitian population
According to multiple sources including the conservative New York Post, a Democratic senator who was in the room when President Trump reportedly made vile comments about “shithole countries” confirmed Friday that the commander-in-chief did, in fact, use the offensive language.
“I cannot believe that in the history of the White House, in that Oval Office, any president has ever spoken words that I personally heard our president speak yesterday,” said Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), according to CNN.
For his part, President Trump took to Twitter to respond to the remarks he made in an Oval Office meeting with members of the Senate. It should be noted that that the White House did not deny the remarks yesterday in a statement released about the meeting.
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
President Trump’s racially charged comments about people immigrating from Haiti and African countries put Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R) in a bit of a political corner. It is no secret that Scott wants to run for the United States Senate against incumbent Bill Nelson (D) and saying nothing about President Trump’s remarks was not a political option.
“If this report is true, it is absolutely wrong to say or think this,” Scott said in a written statement. “I do not think this way, nor do I agree with this kind of sentiment. I represent Florida, and we are an amazing melting pot where over 250 languages are spoken.”
“I work every day to make this the most welcoming state for everyone — Haitians, Cubans, Venezuelans, and others from all around the world that call Florida home,” Scott said. “I’m incredibly proud of our diversity.”
The Sunshine State Democrats were quick to respond to the racially charged remarks made in the Oval Office.
“The President’s ongoing war against immigrants appears to be solely directed toward those immigrants of color,” state Sen. Daphne Campbell, a Miami Democrat and the only Haitian-American member of the Florida Legislature said in a written statement. “I am appalled and disgusted that the man who stands as the symbol of a nation once offering refuge and sanctuary to all immigrants is doing his best to say: ‘nonwhites need not apply.”
Meanwhile, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush took to Twitter to respond to President Trump’s remarks.
For every one step forward @POTUS takes when it comes to judgement and good, coherent policy decisions, he Inexplicably and without fail takes ten steps back. I hope today’s comments were just a crass and flippant mistake, and do not reflect the hateful racism they imply. 1/2
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) January 12, 2018
