Washington D.C.: Accused of terming African countries as ‘shithole’, US President Donald Trump paid tribute to Martin Luther King on Friday, who was one of the principal leaders of the civil rights movement.
During the event, as a reporter twice asked the US President about whether he is a racist, Trump refused to answer.
“Today, as we come together to honour Dr King, we know that America is stronger, more just, and freer because of his life and work,” Trump said at the White House.
“Dr King advocated for the world we still demand – where the sacred rights of all Americans are protected…and our limits and our opportunities are defined not by the colour of our skin, but by the content of our character,” Trump said.
Today, it was my great honor to proclaim January 15, 2018, as Martin Luther King Jr., Federal Holiday. I encourage all Americans to observe this day with appropriate civic, community, and service activities in honor of Dr. King's life and legacy. pic.twitter.com/samlJsz1Nt
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018
Defending himself on his alleged remark, Trump tweeted, “Never said anything derogatory about Haitians other than Haiti is, obviously, a very poor and troubled country. Never said ‘take them out.’ Made up by Dems.”
Never said anything derogatory about Haitians other than Haiti is, obviously, a very poor and troubled country. Never said “take them out.” Made up by Dems. I have a wonderful relationship with Haitians. Probably should record future meetings – unfortunately, no trust!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018
However, Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin, who was in Oval Office during the meeting on Thursday said Trump had used the derogatory remark. “It’s not true. He said these hate-filled things and he said them repeatedly,” Durbin had said on Friday.
The United States celebrates King’s honour on January 15 with an annual holiday. The act of homage to Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) was planned long before the controversy had arisen about Trump’s insult to several African countries, quotes Agencia EFE.