Washington, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a member of the Helsinki Commission and the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission issued the following statement about the destructive comment by President Trump:

“Trump’s despicable comment cannot be defended by his enablers, who often call his outrageous remarks “plain speaking.” Donald Trump is no longer a private citizen. He is now the President of the United States and as such, should understand that a racist comment by the Commander in Chief can undermine the very fabric of this nation.

“America is a country of different languages, races and lifestyles, and yet despite our challenges, we have managed to craft a democracy. Immigrants, not racially intolerant reality TV stars with a string of failed businesses, have made America great, again and again and again. I am proud of America and the immigrants who leave everything behind in search of a new and better life.

“Republicans have to come to grips with a Commander in Chief who is out of control. I believe that for the sake of this nation, a collective action by congress may ultimately be necessary to restore order to the Executive Branch. I am first and foremost a patriot and lover of this nation. My question to my Republican friends, is who are they?”