President Trump on Thursday bemoaned the impact of immigration on Europe, saying it’s “changed the fabric” of the continent.
“I think you are losing your culture. Look around. You go through certain areas that didn’t exist 10 or 15 years ago,” he said in an interview with the Sun newspaper.
“I think what has happened to Europe is a shame,” Trump added. “Allowing the immigration to take place in Europe is a shame.”
Trump stressed his maternal Scottish and paternal German roots, declaring: “I have a great love for the countries of Europe.”
“I think it changed the fabric of Europe and, unless you act very quickly, it’s never going to be what it was and I don’t mean that in a positive way,” Trump said. “So I think allowing millions and millions of people to come into Europe is very, very sad.”
Trump’s anti-immigration rhetoric and policies have played a huge role in his 2016 election and presidency so far.
His administration won a court battle allowing him to bar entrance to the US by citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries — after vowing on the campaign trail to keep all Muslims from coming to America. The White House recently reversed course on a “zero tolerance” policy at the southern border, under which immigration authorities were separating migrant children from their parents.
Trump insisted everyday Brits would also side with his tough positions.
“I think they like me in the UK,” the president said. “I think they agree with me on immigration.”