Sioux Leader To Trump: ‘Leave The Office You Bought And Take Your Swamp Things With You’

A Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe leader issued a damning response Wednesday to President Donald Trump’s “Pocahontas” slur earlier this week during an event meant to honor Navajo Code Talkers.
Harold Frazier, chairman of the South Dakota-based tribe, said he was “deeply ashamed” of Trump’s “disgusting” treatment of the World War II veterans and appeared to suggest that the president should resign. “The President of the United States had an opportunity to honor veterans and bridge gaps in the relationship Tribes have with the Federal government,” Frazier said in a statement sent to HuffPost. “Instead, he chose to disgrace himself, his position and the nation he represents.” Frazier continued, “The President of the United States wanted to utilize an opportunity to honor native warriors who defended this land to make a political attack. I have one for him, leave the office you bought and take your swamp things with you.”

For many Native Americans, Trump’s racist remark was a reminder of the trauma they have faced since European colonization began in the 1600s. “We have been forced to learn the way of the American life,” Frazier said. “We have learned American religions, language, economy, politics and society. ... The President’s comments are another reminder that we are not allowed to participate.”
Frazier also pointed out that sexual assault and abuse, much like the violence that the real Pocahontas endured, affect Native American women at staggering rates.

“What happened to Pocahontas is still happening today to our women,” Frazier said. “Native American women continue to be victims of rape and exploitation by white men. The President of the United States is practicing that by exploiting native women as an insult for political machismo.”
Trump hasn’t addressed the outpouring of condemnation he’s received from Native American leaders and U.S. lawmakers since Monday.

Read Frazier’s full statement below: 


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