Ada Fisher, an RNC member from North Carolina, emphasized that the comments were unhelpful to the party, according to one person present for the breakfast and two other people briefed on the interaction. | Kamil Krzaczynski/AP Photo Black RNC member raises alarm about ‘shithole’ comment at party meeting

A black Republican National Committee member raised deep concerns to party Chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel on Thursday morning about President Donald Trump's alleged remark that African countries are "shitholes."

During a private breakfast meeting with RNC officials, Ada Fisher, an African-American member from North Carolina, emphasized that the comments were unhelpful to the party, according to one person present for the breakfast and two other people briefed on the interaction.


McDaniel responded by saying she was not present when Trump's alleged remark during a meeting with lawmakers took place. She also said there were differing accounts of what transpired, that the president denied saying "shithole," and that the party stood by him.

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Asked for a comment, Fisher said, "What goes on in the members-only breakfast is confidential for the members only and I will not dignify any breach of that confidence by any member with a response."

An RNC spokesperson declined to comment.

RNC members are meeting in Washington for their annual winter meeting. Vice President Mike Pence is slated to address the gathering on Thursday afternoon, and Trump is set to speak in the evening.