Washington—Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today released the following statement on President Trump’s comments:

“President Trump’s vile comments about Africa and Haiti are despicable and beneath the dignity of the presidency. They unquestionably diminish our country’s standing in the world.

“America’s greatness is enshrined in the words written on the Statue of Liberty: ‘Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.’ It’s been said that America is an idea. That idea is rooted in the belief that people from all over the world could come here, whether they were fleeing persecution, poverty, or war, or simply looking for a better life for themselves and their families.

“The president’s expressed desire to see more immigrants from countries like Norway must be called out for what it is: an effort to set this country back generations by promoting a homogenous, white society.

“The president’s words make the jobs of Americans stationed all over the world harder—soldiers, diplomats and businesses. Hate crimes against Muslims, Jews, LGBT individuals and other minorities have increased over the past two years. White nationalism, which led to the death of a peaceful protestor in August, is on the rise.

“We all need to stop pretending that there are no consequences when the most powerful person in the world espouses racist views and gives a wink and a nod to the darkest elements in our society.

“If the president can’t control himself and lead this country with the authority, dignity and leadership it requires, then he shouldn’t be the president. There’s no room for racism in the Oval Office.”

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