WaPo reports Trump used an expletive to disparage African countries

The Washington Post reported Thursday that President Donald Trump used an expletive to refer to African countries and Haiti, and said that we should favor immigrants from countries like Norway instead.

Here's a news report on Trump's comments:

WATCH: NBC News confirms that President Trump referred to Haiti, El Salvador and African countries as “shithole” nations in a meeting with lawmakers today. #MTPDaily pic.twitter.com/kwJHtDoX9A

— Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) January 11, 2018

“Why are we having all these people from s**thole countries come here?” the Washington Post reported the president saying, according to two sources.

The report says that the president was "exasperated" with the negotiations, and asked why they couldn't bring in more immigrants from countries like Norway instead.

What did the White House say about the report?

The White House declined to comment on the story from the Washington Post, but released a statement issued by principal deputy White House press secretary Raj Shah later.

"Certain Washington politicians choose to fight for foreign countries, but President Trump will always fight for the American people," the statement read.

"The president will only accept an immigration deal that adequately addresses the visa lottery system and chain migration — two programs that hurt our economy and allow terrorists into our country," he continued. "Like other nations that have merit-based immigration, President Trump is fighting for permanent solutions that make our country stronger by welcoming those who can contribute to our society, grow our economy, and assimilate into our great nation."

"He will always reject temporary, weak, and dangerous stopgap measures that threaten the lives of hardworking Americans, and undercut immigrants who seek a better life in the United States through a legal pathway," the statement concluded.

Some characterized the statement as a "non-denial denial" of the story.

Why is this important?

Democrats and foes of the president are seizing on the comments to further paint a narrative of a bigoted, racist Trump.

Here's a report from CNN about the alleged comments:

According to a White House official, staffers predict the President’s “shithole” remark will resonate with his base, @kaitlancollins reports https://t.co/DNed8UOO8b pic.twitter.com/PycLhX7yDV

— The Situation Room (@CNNSitRoom) January 11, 2018