President Donald Trump drew criticism from pundits and onlookers on Twitter on Friday when he described the Paralympics as "a little tough to watch too much."

Trump made the comments during a White House reception with the Olympians and Paralympians from Team U.S.A., an event that is held annually to celebrate the teams.

"What happened with the Paralympics was so incredible and so inspiring to me," Trump said. "And I watched — it's a little tough to watch too much, but I watched as much as I could."

He went on to thank the athletes for doing a fantastic job.

Click through the gallery above for reactions to Trump's comments.

The comments immediately drew ire from some onlookers who felt that describing the Paralympics as hard to watch was insulting to the athletes and the uplifting spirit of the event.

California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom was among those who took to Twitter to blast Trump's characterization of the Paralympics.

ALSO: Trump says for first time that lawyer represented him in Stormy Daniels case

"Spent my day meeting with CA's Disability Community — some of the most inspiring and thoughtful people I've ever met," Newsom wrote. "Left to see our President proclaiming the Paralympics are 'a little tough to watch too much of.' Hey, @realDonaldTrump - You're an absolute disgrace."

Filipa Ioannou is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at fioannou@sfchronicle.com and follow her on Twitter