US President Donald Trump has apparently shrugged off his reported remarks referring to African states, tweeting that “this was not the language used.” Trump’s alleged statement drew international condemnation.

READ MORE: 'No other word but racist': UNHR spokesman slams Trump’s reported remarks on 's***hole countries'

Trump expressed his discontent with the influx of immigrants coming from Haiti, El Salvador and some African countries at a meeting in the Oval Office on Thursday, according to American media. The Washington Post reported on Thursday that Trump had asked: “Why are we having all these people from s***hole countries come here?”



“The language used by me at the DACA meeting was tough, but this was not the language used,” Trump said in a series of tweets on Friday, adding that he wanted a “merit-based system of immigration” and “security” for Americans.



The language used by me at the DACA meeting was tough, but this was not the language used. What was really tough was the outlandish proposal made - a big setback for DACA! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018

The US president later insisted that he “never said anything derogatory about Haitians other than Haiti is, obviously, a very poor and troubled country.” Trump is also considering an idea to record all of his future meetings in order to prevent any speculation surrounding his remarks.

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) 12 января 2018 г.

Apart from the angry reaction of officials, social media users also immediately launched an avalanche of criticism towards Trump.

READ MORE: ‘Why would Norwegians come?’ Twitter blows up at Trump’s s***hole slur

The reports have triggered a strong reaction from the UN, with its High Commissioner for Human Rights calling the statement “racist” on Friday. At the same time the Haitian government has summoned a US official to explain the president’s behavior.

Democratic U.S. Senator Dick Durbin told reporters in a video that he personally heard that Trump used "those words advisedly."