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Trump Supporter Rick Scott Denounces His 'Shithole Countries' Comment

Gov. Rick Scott distanced himself Thursday from President Donald Trump’s undisputed comments calling Haiti and some African nations “shithole” countries — remarks that Democrats say could cost him if he runs for U.S. Senate.

Gov. Rick Scott distanced himself Thursday from President Donald Trump’s undisputed comments calling Haiti and some African nations “shithole” countries — remarks that Democrats say could cost him if he runs for U.S. Senate.

Scott, who is being recruited by Trump to run against Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson, stopped just short of a blanket denouncement of the president’s comments by saying he condemned them “if” the media reports about them were true. Neither the White House nor a fellow Florida Republican who was in the room during an immigration reform meeting disputed the president's racial remarks.

“If this report is true, it is absolutely wrong to say or think this,” Scott said in a written statement. “I do not think this way, nor do I agree with this kind of sentiment. I represent Florida, and we are an amazing melting pot where over 250 languages are spoken.”

“I work every day to make this the most welcoming state for everyone — Haitians, Cubans, Venezuelans, and others from all around the world that call Florida home,” Scott said. “I’m incredibly proud of our diversity.”

Caroline Cournoyer is GOVERNING's senior web editor.
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