State Senator Daphne Campbell was joined by fellow Florida lawmakers Friday morning at the state capitol in Tallahassee to address controversial remarks made by President Trump, and the response given thus far by Gov. Rick Scott.
Trump sparked outrage Thursday after reportedly referring to Africa and Haiti as “sh--hole countries” during a bipartisan meeting on immigration reform.
According to an excerpt by The Los Angeles Times, President Trump said:
“What do we want Haitians here for?” the president asked, according to the people briefed. “Why do we want all these people from Africa here? Why do we want all these people from sh--hole countries?”
Following the remarks, Sen. Campbell, a Haitian-born Democrat who live in Miami-Dade County, called on Gov. Rick Scott to denounce his pal Trump’s “racist comments.”
“The President’s ongoing war against immigrants appears to be solely directed toward those immigrants of color,” Campbell said in a press release.
“I am appalled and disgusted that the man who stands as the symbol of a nation once offering refuge and sanctuary to all immigrants is doing his best to say: ‘non-whites need not apply.’ Governor Scott needs to denounce these remarks immediately on behalf of the people of Florida.”
You can watch the press conference below:
Florida is home to more Haitians than any other state, and Trump’s decision to end temporary protective status for Haitians could affect nearly 60,000 Haitians now residing in the Sunshine State.
Sen. Campbell isn't the only one offering up her remarks in the wake of Trump's controversial comments. Various Florida officials have taken to Twitter to weigh in: