Sen. Dick Durbin, the only Democrat in the room, disputed the president's vague denial. — @realDonaldTrumpTrump's contemptuous description of Africa startled lawmakers in the meeting and immediately revived charges that the president is racist. "Certain Washington politicians choose to fight for foreign countries, but President Trump will always fight for the American people," he said. The African Union continental body told The Associated Press it was "frankly alarmed" by Trump's comments. South Africa's ruling African National Congress called Trump's comments "extremely offensive."

Source: CBC News January 12, 2018 12:09 UTC