The New York Daily News has taken aim at Donald Trump for reportedly describing African countries as "shithole countries".
Sources say the US President questioned why America should permit more immigrants from "shithole countries" after senators discussed revamping rules affecting entrants from Africa and Haiti.
The New York Daily News this morning attacked Trump on its front page, mocking up a poo emoji to look like him to accompany the headline "S**t for brains: Trump spews vicious slur against immigrants".
.@realDonaldTrump takes a dump on the American dream
— New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) January 12, 2018
An early look at Friday's front: https://t.co/1Wj57JecKC pic.twitter.com/MmOW4VUIMx
Trump’s reported use of the phrase has been roundly condemned with the Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Rupert Colville, saying: "You cannot dismiss entire countries and continents as ’shitholes’."
He said the comments, if confirmed, were "shocking and shameful" and added: "I’m sorry, but there’s no other word one can use but racist."
However, Trump has since denied using the words on Twitter.
"The language used by me at the DACA meeting was tough, but this was not the language used," Mr Trump said.
The language used by me at the DACA meeting was tough, but this was not the language used. What was really tough was the outlandish proposal made - a big setback for DACA!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018
Sadly, Democrats want to stop paying our troops and government workers in order to give a sweetheart deal, not a fair deal, for DACA. Take care of our Military, and our Country, FIRST!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018
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
The White House did not deny his remark but issued a statement saying Mr Trump supports immigration policies that welcome "those who can contribute to our society".