Former US first lady Michelle Obama appeared to weigh in on President Donald Trump’s racist attacks on four minority Democratic lawmakers, tweeting that diversity is “what truly makes our country great".

“Whether we are born here or seek refuge here, there’s a place for us all," she added. “We must remember it’s not my America or your America. It’s our America.”

While Mrs Obama, who was the world’s most admired woman in 2019 according to a YouGov poll, did not directly reference Trump, her words appeared to echo Trump’s campaign slogan “Make America great again”.

The tweets appear to be a rebuke of Trump’s attacks on congresswomen Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ayanna Pressley, Rashida Tlaib, and Ilhan Omar, who are all women of colour.

President Trump had tweeted last Sunday that the four lawmakers should “go back” to their home countries “and help fix the totally broken and crime infested places from which they came”.

Michelle Obama's most empowering quotes Show all 10 1 /10 Michelle Obama's most empowering quotes Michelle Obama's most empowering quotes On the key to a successful marriage “In our house we don’t take ourselves too seriously, and laughter is the best form of unity, I think, in a marriage.” On Live with Regis and Kelly in February 2011. Getty Images Michelle Obama's most empowering quotes On not underestimating yourself "You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world's problems at once but don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own." In a speech to schoolgirls at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School in North London in April 2009. Getty Images Michelle Obama's most empowering quotes On inspiring young people “I want our young people to know that they matter, that they belong, so don’t be afraid. You hear me? Young people, don’t be afraid. Be focused, be determined, be hopeful, be empowered… Lead by example with hope, never fear, and know that I will be with you, rooting for you and working to support you for the rest of my life.” In her final White House address in January 2017. Getty Images Michelle Obama's most empowering quotes On double standards regarding parenting “When a father puts in long hours at work, he’s praised for being dedicated and ambitious. But when a mother stays late at the office, she’s sometimes accused of being selfish, neglecting her kids.” At the "Let Girls Learn Event" in Madrid, Spain in June 2016. Getty Images Michelle Obama's most empowering quotes On the importance of diversity in film and TV “For so many people, television and movies may be the only way they understand people who aren’t like them… I come across many little black girls who come up to me over the course of this 7½ years with tears in their eyes, and they say: ‘Thank you for being a role model for me. I don’t see educated black women on TV, and the fact that you’re first lady validates who I am.'” In an interview with Variety in August 2016. AFP/Getty Images Michelle Obama's most empowering quotes On maintaining hopeful following the election of Donald Trump “See, now we are feeling what not having hope feels like, you know. Hope is necessary. It is a necessary concept. What do you give your kids if you can’t give them hope?” In an interview with Oprah Winfrey in December 2016. Getty Images Michelle Obama's most empowering quotes On motherhood "My most important title is 'mom-in-chief'. My daughters are still the heart of my heart and the centre of my world." At the Democratic National Convention in September 2012. AFP/Getty Images Michelle Obama's most empowering quotes On championing women's education “Men in every country need to look into their hearts and souls and ask themselves whether they truly view and treat women as their equals. And then when you all encounter men in your lives who answer no to that question, then you need to take them to task. You need to tell them that any man who uses his strength to oppress women is a coward, and he is holding back the progress of his family and his country.” In a speech at the summit of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, July 2014. Getty Images Michelle Obama's most empowering quotes On dealing with bullies “When someone is cruel or acts like a bully, you don’t stoop to their level. No, our motto is, when they go low, we go high.” At the Democratic convention, July 2016. Getty Images Michelle Obama's most empowering quotes On the meaning of success "Success isn’t about how your life looks to others. It’s about how it feels to you. We realised that being successful isn’t about being impressive, it’s about being inspired." In a speech at the Oregon State University commencement, June 2012. Getty Images

However, all four are US citizens and three were born in the United States.

Michelle Obama’s mention of those who “seek refuge” in the US appears an message of support to Ilhan Omar was born in Somalia but moved to the US as a child refugee almost three decades ago and is a naturalised US citizen. She and Mrs Tlaib are the only Muslim women in the US House of Representatives.

Trump has recently attacked Mrs Omar, tweeting that immigrants “should ‘go back’ to other countries”.

Just a few days later, Trump let his supporters chant “send her back” for some 13 seconds after he mentioned Ms Omar at a North California rally.

His actions have caused outrage among Democrats. Senator Bernie Sanders said Mr Trump was “the most dangerous president in the history of our country".

The Democratic-led House of Representatives responded to Trump’s attacks by voting largely along party lines to condemn his comments as racist.

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