President Donald Trump has faced criticism for a "shameful" question he asked construction workers on live television during a flagpole unveiling on Tuesday (June 18).
The 79-year-old held a press event on the South Lawn of the White House to mark the installation of two towering, 88-foot flagpoles, which he described as a personal “gift,” ABC News reports.
Flanked by construction workers and supporters, Trump praised the structures as “the most magnificent poles made,” touting their rust-proof, tapered design and internal rope systems in a post on social media.
“It is my Great Honour to announce that I will be putting up two beautiful Flag Poles on both sides of the White House,” Trump wrote. “These are the most magnificent poles made… Hopefully, they will proudly stand at both sides of the White House for many years to come!”
But the pageantry took a sharp turn once Trump pivoted to questions from reporters. Responding to one about his recent aggressive push to deport undocumented immigrants, Trump boasted: “We’re taking them out by the thousands. Murderers, drug dealers, people that are mentally insane, from insane asylums.”
Then, in a moment that stunned viewers, Trump turned to the helmet-clad workers behind him and asked: “Any illegal immigrants?” appearing to probe their legal status in front of rolling cameras, per The New York Times.
Pausing awkwardly, he mumbled: “Do we have anybody here who’s a member of… no, I don’t think so. You’ve known these people for a long time? Any illegal immigrants?” A few workers shook their heads.
Doubling down, Trump warned (perhaps only half-jokingly) of what might follow: “If they were, they’d find out. They’ll be checking you. You won’t believe… Your whole life will be destroyed because of this press conference, watch, they’ll destroy these people.”
Attempting to backtrack with humor, he added: “Don’t worry, I think you’re going to be okay. I’ll be right behind you. Far behind you,” he laughed. “No, I’ll be right behind you.”
While the workers appeared to take the remarks in stride, social media lit up with backlash.
One user wrote: “This isn’t ‘lmao.’ This is disgusting and disgraceful. WTF.”
Another said: “Wow! Threatening workers on TV, way to go! Smh!"
A third simply called Trump’s behavior “embarrassing", while others called it "shameful".
The incident comes just days after Trump made headlines for ranting about possible military action in Iran while standing next to a visibly confused squad of Juventus footballers, as reported by The Independent, further fuelling criticism.