Overview
- Speaking to supporters, President Trump recounted saying in 2018, "Why is it we only take people from shithole countries," and contrasted them with Norway and Sweden.
- He described Somalia as "filthy, dirty, disgusting, riddled with crime" while expanding on the episode for the crowd.
- He framed the remarks alongside a claim that he recently announced a "permanent pause on Third World migration," naming Afghanistan, Haiti and Somalia.
- The comments contradict his public denial issued the day after the 2018 meeting, when he insisted the reported language was not what he used.
- The renewed admission revives backlash that followed in 2018, when some Republicans criticized the remarks and countries such as Botswana and Senegal protested.