After Trump's 'Racist' Tweets, MA Politicians Push Back

BOSTON — U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley , who appeared to be the target of comments by President Donald Trump Sunday, condemned the tweets as racist and incendiary. Nearly all the other U.S. legislators from the commonwealth joined in condemning the president's comments.

Trump tweeted that "Progressive" Democratic congresswomen —largely believed to be Pressley, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashifa Tlaib and Ilhan Omar of — should "go back and help fix the totally broken and crime infested places from which they came."

All congressmen and women are U.S. citizens. Only Omar, of the four Trump is believed to have been directing his comments, was born out of the country.

Still, Trump said they "originally came from countries whose governments are a complete and total catastrophe."

"This is what racism looks like," tweeted Pressley. "And we're not going anywhere. Except back to DC to fight for the families you marginalize and vilify every day."

The four women are known as "the squad."

The tweets drew widespread condemnation from Democrats across the country and from nearly every senator and representative in Massachusetts, who labeled the remarks racist and divisive — from Rep. Katherine Clark to Congresswoman Lori Trahan.

U.S. Sen. and presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren called the attack xenophobic:

Several stood up for the women, praising their work.

"Donald Trump isn’t only threatened by these congresswomen’s identities, he’s threatened by their courage and strength," said Sen. Ed Markey. "Every day, they stand up to Trump’s racist attacks and speak truth to power. I’m proud to serve alongside them. Keep organizing. Keep fighting."

Rep. Joe Kennedy pointed out a bit of the obvious, echoing a number of people on social media.

"This is their country," he tweeted. "One they fight for every day despite the racism and sexism and hate. You don’t make them flinch. They stay in the ring, for all of us."

Trump shrugged off the criticism. While Democrats have condemned his remarks, Republicans have remained largely silent. Reps. Seth Moulton and Jim McGovern criticized that, calling them cowards.

In a tweet Sunday night, Trump says it is "so sad" to see Democrats sticking up for the women.

Massachusetts Rep. Stephen Lynch appeared to be the only U.S. Congressman from the commonwealth who did not tweet out condemnations of the president's remarks as of Monday.

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, meanwhile, advised Trump to "aim higher."

Related:

• Graham Tells Trump To 'Aim Higher' After Tweets About Democrats

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).