Botswana wants to know if Trump includes it in his vulgar characterization of African nations

(Image credit: Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

published 12 January 2018

The African nation of Botswana issued a press release Friday seeking clarification over whether Trump believes it too is a "sh--hole country" — a term the president reportedly used Thursday during a discussion about immigration from the continent. "The Botswana Government has … inquired from the U.S. Government through the Ambassador, to clarify if Botswana is regarded as a 'sh--hole' country given that there are Botswana nationals residing in the U.S., and also that some of Botswana may wish to visit the U.S.," the statement says.

Botswana additionally wondered "why President Trump must use this descriptor and derogatory word, when talking about countries with whom the U.S. has had cordial and mutually beneficial bilateral relations for so many years." Read the full press release below. Jeva Lange

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Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.