Connecticut and New England lawmakers are lighting up social media after President Donald Trump described Haiti and African nations as "s--thole countries" during a meeting on immigration.
John Percy, the president of the Connecticut Haitian-American Organization, called the president's remarks insulting and racist. He said the Haitian community should not stand for it and the president should apologize.
"We do not expect to be treated the way he's treating us using those foul words. It's very inappropriate," Percy said.
Governor Dannel Malloy released a statement on Thursday night that said he is sickened and appalled by the president's words but not surprised.
"President Trump owes the people of America and those of any nation he crassly denigrated today, an apology," Malloy wrote in a statement.
The White House released a statement that didn't deny the reported remarks.
"President Trump is fighting for permanent solutions that make our country stronger by welcoming those who can contribute to our society, grow our economy and assimilate into our great nation," the White House statement reads.
But other Connecticut lawmakers and New England leaders were angered by the vulgar language used towards several nations by the president.
Leaders across the country chimed in on social media to voice their opinion on the president's comments.
NBC Connecticut reached out to the Connecticut Republican party, which did not give a comment regarding the president's words.
