Valley Congressman David Valadao (R-Hanford) criticized President Donald Trump over his remarks about immigrants from Haiti, El Salvador and nations in Africa.
“The President’s remarks have no place in policy debate and I am very disappointed he chose to use the words he did,” Valadao said in a statement to GV Wire. “Reforming our nation’s immigration system is a very serious undertaking —one that deserves respect and empathy from those involved. We must remain focused on achieving a solution for those impacted by the decisions lawmakers in Washington make.”
The Washington Post reported that Trump, during a meeting with Washington legislators regarding the immigration status of those from Haiti, El Salvador and Africa, said: “Why are we having all these people from shithole countries come here?”
Politicians from the left and right panned Trump, describing his comments as racist, vile and inappropriate.
GV Wire reached out to other members of the Valley congressional delegation. A spokeswoman for Rep. Jim Costa (D-Fresno) said he was traveling, and could not issue a statement. Other press secretaries did not respond to requests for comment.