"Shithole Countries" Racist Remark
During a White House meeting, Trump asked "Why are we having all these people from shithole countries come here?" about Haiti, El Salvador, and African nations — suggesting the U.S. should accept more immigrants from Norway.
On January 11, 2018, during a bipartisan meeting on immigration at the White House, Trump asked: "Why are we having all these people from shithole countries come here?" He was referring to Haiti, El Salvador, and African nations. He then suggested the U.S. should instead accept more immigrants from countries like Norway.
The comment provoked global condemnation:
- The U.N. human rights office called the remarks "shocking and shameful" and "racist"
- Haiti's government summoned the U.S. charge d'affaires for an explanation
- The African Union demanded an apology, saying Trump's comments were "clearly racist"
- Botswana summoned the U.S. ambassador to ask if their country was considered a "shithole"
Trump initially denied making the remark, but multiple attendees confirmed it. In 2025, he publicly boasted about having said it.
The preference for Norwegian immigrants over those from Haiti and Africa — countries with predominantly non-white populations — laid bare the racial hierarchy at the core of Trump's immigration worldview.