While Barack Obama didn’t name names, it was clear that he was targeting Donald Trump when he called the anti-immigration discourse being used in Republican presidential campaigns “un-American“:
“This whole anti-immigrant sentiment that’s out there in our politics right now is contrary to who we are,” Obama said during a town hall meeting at an Iowa high school.
“Because unless you are a Native American, your family came from some place else.”
[…]
Without naming Trump or his rivals, Obama denounced that on Monday. “We can have a legitimate debate about how to set up an immigration system that is fair and orderly and lawful,” Obama told the crowd.
“But, when I hear folks talking as if somehow these kids are different from my kids, or less worthy in the eyes of God, that somehow they are less worthy of our respect and consideration and care — I think that’s un-American. I do not believe that. I think it is wrong.”
Trump has drawn widespread criticism for his characterization of illegal immigrants as criminals and “rapists,” but he continues to lead among GOP candidates in the polls.
