Donald Trump’s tweet telling Democratic congresswomen of color to “go back” to the “places from which they came” is perhaps one of his most controversial statements to date and that is saying a lot. People aren’t dancing around labeling the statement for what it is, racist. Rep. Joaquin Castro’s reply echoed a lot of the sentiments simply pointing out, “They’re Americans. You’re a bigot.” Here’s what other prominent Democrats are saying:
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, who has recently been at odds with these women said:
When
@realDonaldTrump tells four American Congresswomen to go back to their countries, he reaffirms his plan to “Make America Great Again” has always been about making America white again.
And the women whom the tweet was directed at are speaking out. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wrote:
Mr. President, the country I “come from,” & the country we all swear to, is the United States. But given how you’ve destroyed our border with inhumane camps, all at a benefit to you & the corps who profit off them, you are absolutely right about the corruption laid at your feet.
Rep. Ayanna Pressley adds:
THIS is what racism looks like. WE are what democracy looks like. And we’re not going anywhere. Except back to DC to fight for the families you marginalize and vilify everyday.
Rep. Ilhan Omar addressed Trump directly:
Mr. President, As Members of Congress, the only country we swear an oath to is the United States. Which is why we are fighting to protect it from the worst, most corrupt and inept president we have ever seen.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib again called for Trump to be impeached:
Want a response to a lawless & complete failure of a President? He is the crisis. His dangerous ideology is the crisis. He needs to be impeached.
Several of the Democratic presidential candidates (past and present) are also weighing in. Sen. Bernie Sanders said:
When I call the president a racist, this is what I’m talking about..
Sen. Elizabeth Warren added:
Let’s be clear about what this vile comment is: A racist and xenophobic attack on Democratic congresswomen.
Joe Biden tweeted:
President Trump continues to spew hateful rhetoric, sow division, and stoke racial tensions for his own political gain.
Sen. Kamala Harris wrote:
Let’s call the president’s racist attack exactly what it is: un-American.
Most of the reaction is one-sided, from Democrats. But some prominent Republicans are now weighing in.
And Sen. Tim Scott tweeted, “The President interjected with unacceptable personal attacks and racially offensive language.”
There are now a handful of Republican representatives weighing in as well.
And there is criticism from some other well-known Republicans. Frequent Trump critic (and husband to Kellyanne Conway) said:
This is bigotry, pure and simple.
