Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) said on Friday that President Trump owed the people of Haiti an apology after reports surfaced that he referred to Haiti, El Salvador and African nations as “shithole countries” in an immigration reform meeting.

“He owes the people of Haiti and all of mankind an apology,” Isakson told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “That is not the kind of statement the leader of the free world should make, and he ought to be ashamed of himself.”

“If he did not make it, he needs to corroborate the facts and prove it and move forward.”

The Washington Post reported on Thursday that Trump had referred to Haiti, El Salvador and African nations as “shithole countries” in an Oval Office meeting with other senators. 

Trump denied the report in a series of tweets early Friday, saying that was not the language he used.  

The language used by me at the DACA meeting was tough, but this was not the language used. What was really tough was the outlandish proposal made – a big setback for DACA!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018

Never said anything derogatory about Haitians other than Haiti is, obviously, a very poor and troubled country. Never said “take them out.” Made up by Dems. I have a wonderful relationship with Haitians. Probably should record future meetings – unfortunately, no trust!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018

However, the president’s reported comments have garnered outrage on both sides of the political aisle.

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), who was present for the Oval Office meeting, confirmed Trump’s remarks on Friday. 

“I cannot believe in this history of the White House, in that Oval Office, any president has ever spoken the words that I personally heard our president speak yesterday,” Durbin said.

Durbin said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who was also at the meeting, pushed back on the president after he initially made the comments on Thursday. 

“My colleague [Graham] spoke up and made a direct comment on what the president said,” Durbin said. “For him to confront the president as he did, literally sitting next to him, took extraordinary political courage and I respect him for it.”

Graham released a statement on Friday, saying he said his piece to Trump at the meeting. 

“The president and all those attending the meeting know what I said and how I feel. I’ve always believed that America is an idea, not defined by its people, but by its ideals,” Graham said.