Sen. Feinstein: "If the president can't control himself … he shouldn't be the president"

“President Trump’s vile comments about Africa and Haiti are despicable and beneath the dignity of the presidency. They unquestionably diminish our country’s standing in the world,” Feinstein said in a statement.

Feinstein is referring to Trump calling Haiti and African nations “shithole countries” while discussing DREAMers and immigration legislation in a White House room full of senators and aides. The White House does not deny that Trump used this callous language, and Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin, who was at the meeting, confirmed the comments Friday morning.

“The president’s words make the jobs of Americans stationed all over the world harder — soldiers, diplomats and businesses,” Feinstein added.

But it is not just Americans abroad who are at risk.

Feinstein reminds us that, “Hate crimes against Muslims, Jews, LGBT individuals and other minorities have increased over the past two years. White nationalism, which led to the death of a peaceful protestor in August, is on the rise.”

In August, Trump described those marching with neo-Nazis and white nationalists as “very fine people.”

Feinstein warns of the consequences when, “the most powerful person in the world espouses racist views and gives a wink and a nod to the darkest elements in our society.”

Trump’s repeated attacks on non-white Americans, and countries that are majority non-white, is evident through a clear pattern of racist words and actions.

As Feinstein notes, it is clear that Trump desires, “a homogenous, white society.”

Feinstein and Trump made news earlier this week when Feinstein released the congressional testimony of Glenn Simpson, the founder of Fusion GPS. The bombshell testimony contradicted many lies that the White House and congressional Republicans were spreading about the Trump campaign’s involvement with Russian operatives.

Trump reacted by throwing a Twitter tantrum, which he often does when threatened by powerful women who criticize him.

Feinstein has long been worried about Trump’s temperament, going back to March of 2017 when she told California protestors that she is troubled by Trump’s behavior.

“I’ve been doing what I do for a long time and I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Feinstein, who has been in politics for nearly five decades.

Her comments this time, about Trump’s racist comments, are even more fierce.

“If the president can’t control himself and lead this country with the authority, dignity and leadership it requires, then he shouldn’t be the president,” Feinstein said. “There’s no room for racism in the Oval Office.”