Trump rejects using crude slur on African countries
US president Donald Trump has rejected reports that he used the word "shithole" when referring to African countries during a debate on immigration.
Trump allegedly demanded to know why the United States should accept immigrates from "shithole" countries.
He wrote on Twitter that "the language used by me at the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) meeting was tough, but this was not the language used".
The United Nations (UN) reacted to Trump's alleged comments, dubbing it as shocking, shameful and racist.
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"Sorry, but there is no other word one can use but 'racist', said spokesperson for the UN's human rights office Rupert Colville.
Trump tweeted that the meeting between the lawmakers was tough but all in a bid to "make America great again".
....countries which are doing badly. I want a merit based system of immigration and people who will help take our country to the next level. I want safety and security for our people. I want to stop the massive inflow of drugs. I want to fund our military, not do a Dem defund....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018
The language used by me at the DACA meeting was tough, but this was not the language used. What was really tough was the outlandish proposal made - a big setback for DACA!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018
The US Embassy in South Africa also responded saying it remains committed to America's partnership with African countries.
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"We remain committed to working together with Africans to realize the promise of a more peaceful, more productive, more prosperous 21st century Africa," said embassy spokeswoman Cynthia Harvey.