Senator says Trump never used 'Shithole'

Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga., a supporter of Trump’s immigration policies, who previously claimed that he did not recall whether or not Trump used this incendiary language, now claims the president never said it. He believes it is misinformation created by Senators Dick Durbin and Lindsey Graham.

“I’m saying that this is a gross misrepresentation. It’s not the first time Sen. Durbin has done it. And it is not productive to solving the problem,” Perdue said.

When pressed by ABC reporter Perdue said, “I’m telling you he did not use that word, George. And I’m telling you it’s a gross misrepresentation. How many times do you want me to say that?” 

Reports that Trump used vulgar language to describe Haiti and African countries, while opining that the U.S. does not accept more immigrants from countries like Norway, during an immigration meeting on Thursday elicited widespread condemnation from both sides of the aisle. Republican Senator Susan Collins said, “These comments are highly inappropriate and out of bounds and could hurt efforts for a bipartisan immigration agreement. The president should not denigrate other countries.”

Perdue and Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., were both present at the negotiations on reforming the immigration system. In a statement released Friday:

“President Trump brought everyone to the table this week and listened to both sides. But regrettably, it seems that not everyone is committed to negotiating in good faith. In regards to Senator Durbin’s accusation, we do not recall the President saying these comments specifically but what he did call out was the imbalance in our current immigration system, which does not protect American workers and our national interest. We, along with the President, are committed to solving an issue many in Congress have failed to deliver on for decades.”