President Trump is receiving no shortage of blowback after publishing a series of tweets on Sunday morning about progressive female immigrant legislators. Without providing specific names, the president asked why these legislators don’t return to their countries of origin and address the problems there, and “Then come back and show us it is done,” he wrote:
So interesting to see “Progressive” Democrat Congresswomen, who originally came from countries whose governments are a complete and total catastrophe, the worst, most corrupt and inept anywhere in the world (if they even have a functioning government at all), now loudly......
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 14, 2019
....it is done. These places need your help badly, you can’t leave fast enough. I’m sure that Nancy Pelosi would be very happy to quickly work out free travel arrangements!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 14, 2019
A number of legislators have denounced Trump’s tweets, including Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) who the president referenced in his tweet. She said that the comments confirm that Trump’s MAGA slogan actually conveys a message of white supremacy:
I reject @realDonaldTrump’s xenophobic comments meant to divide our nation. Rather than attack Members of Congress, he should work with us for humane immigration policy that reflects American values. Stop the raids - #FamiliesBelongTogether!
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) July 14, 2019
Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), who was likely one of the congresswomen the president was referring to in his tweet, wrote a response in which she described Trump as “the worst, most corrupt and inept president we have ever seen.” She also said the president was “stoking white nationalism”:
You are stoking white nationalism bc you are angry that people like us are serving in Congress and fighting against your hate-filled agenda.
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) July 14, 2019
“America's answer to the intolerant man is diversity, the very diversity which our heritage of religious freedom has inspired.” -RFK
People referred to the president’s remarks as racist, including Democratic presidential primary hopefuls Beto O’Rourke and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA):
This is racist. These congresswomen are every bit as American as you — and represent our values better than you ever will. https://t.co/BiKtCgqFjF
— Beto O'Rourke (@BetoORourke) July 14, 2019
Let’s be clear about what this vile comment is: A racist and xenophobic attack on Democratic congresswomen. This *is* their country, regardless of whether or not Trump realizes it. They should be treated with respect. As president, I’ll make sure of it. https://t.co/WupieDquLA
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) July 14, 2019
Rep. Joaquin Castro called the president a bigot:
They’re Americans.
— Joaquin Castro (@JoaquinCastrotx) July 14, 2019
You’re a bigot. https://t.co/iNtwEfRIxS
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus called Trump racist and sexist:
The women of color in Congress have served far more honorably than this President.
— Hispanic Caucus (@HispanicCaucus) July 14, 2019
They are US citizens and this IS their country.
They are fighting #ForThePeople - this racist, sexist President will not stop them. https://t.co/xQI1KYDgDo
Rep. Barbara Lee described it as a “disgusting and racist attack”:
OMG, here we go again. My sisters in Congress are Americans. The voices of women of color have been ignored for far too long — but not anymore. This disgusting and racist attack won’t stop us. https://t.co/YfYGkiesPq
— Rep. Barbara Lee (@RepBarbaraLee) July 14, 2019
Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) responded to the President’s tweets:
Yo @realDonaldTrump, I am fighting corruption in OUR country. I do it every day when I hold your admin accountable as a U.S. Congresswoman. Detroit taught me how to fight for the communities you continue to degrade & attack. Keep talking, you’ll be out of the WH soon. #TickTock
— Rashida Tlaib (@RashidaTlaib) July 14, 2019
But you know what’s the rub of it all, Mr. President?
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) July 14, 2019
On top of not accepting an America that elected us, you cannot accept that we don’t fear you,either.
You can’t accept that we will call your bluff & offer a positive vision for this country. And that’s what makes you seethe.