Trump denies racist tweets were racist

Donald Trump has insisted tweets in which he suggested a group of congresswomen of colour should "go back" to their original countries was not racist, and said Republicans who disagree are "weak".

Amid growing anger over the series of attacks, the president tweeted: "Those Tweets were NOT Racist. I don’t have a Racist bone in my body! The so-called vote to be taken is a Democrat con game. Republicans should not show “weakness” and fall into their trap.

"This should be a vote on the filthy language, statements and lies told by the Democrat Congresswomen, who I truly believe, based on their actions, hate our Country.

"Get a list of the HORRIBLE things they have said. Omar is polling at 8%, Cortez at 21%. Nancy Pelosi tried to push them away, but now they are forever wedded to the Democrat Party. See you in 2020!"

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