Trump makes 'Pocahontas' slur at Native American ceremony

  • 28/11/2017

US President Donald Trump has again landed himself in hot water after referring to a member of Congress as Pocahontas during a White House event for Navajo war veterans.

Mr Trump was referring to Democrat Senator Elizabeth Warren, who controversially claimed Cherokee and Delaware Indian heritage in 2012 despite having no documentation proving it.

Ms Warren was first called Pocahontas by Donald Trump in May 2016, when he was running for office.

However he revived the nickname during a speech he gave at the White House honouring those Navajo veterans who'd served as code talkers in the military.

"I just want to thank you because you are very, very special people. You were here long before any of us were here," Mr Trump said.

"Although, we have a representative in Congress who has been here a long time - longer than you. They call her Pocahontas!"

When his remark was met with no noticeable reaction from the Native Americans sharing the stage with him, Mr Trump returned to complimenting them.

"But you know what?" he asked, patting the shoulder of one of the veterans. "I like you - you are special people."

Ms Warren told NBC Mr Trump's comments were "deeply unfortunate".

"This was supposed to be an event to honour heroes, people who put it all on the line for our country," she said.

"It is deeply unfortunate that the president of the United States cannot even make it through a ceremony honouring these heroes without having to throw out a racial slur."

Newshub.