Rep. Joe Crowley (D., N.Y.) joked Tuesday that President Donald Trump and Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte would go on a "joyride" with M16s when the foreign leader visits the White House.
The joke referenced accusations that Duterte presided over thousands of extrajudicial killings as part of a major crackdown on drugs in his country.
Duterte has reportedly bragged about personally killing criminals when he was mayor of Davao. The White House is drawing criticism for Trump inviting Duterte to visit, saying it undermines U.S. commitment to human rights.
"What kind of a meeting is he hoping to have?" Crowley asked. "Are they both going to get on the back of a motorcycle with M16s and go on a joyride? I mean, this man has actually shot people in extrajudicial killings himself. Himself. And somehow, we're going to invite him to the White House?"
"That's not the American way. That's not the American presidency that I recognize or understand," he said.
.@repjoecrowley (D-NY) on Trump's Duterte invite: "Are they going to get on the back of motorcycles with M16s & go for a joy ride?" pic.twitter.com/aQAUEdGy8o
— Steve Kopack (@SteveKopack) May 2, 2017