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Trump Hits Warren With 'Pocahontas' Jab At Event For Navajo Code Talkers

FOUNTAIN VALLEY (CBSLA/AP) — President Donald Trump has used an event honoring Native American veterans to take a shot at Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren, whom he has long derided as "Pocahontas."

Trump welcomed Navajo code talkers from World War II to the Oval Office on Monday.

During remarks praising their service, Trump said: "We have a representative in Congress who they say was here a long time ago. They call her Pocahontas. But you know what, I like you."

The Republican president has repeatedly mocked the Massachusetts senator for claims she made about being part Native American.

Responding to Trump's remark, Warren said on MSNBC: "It is deeply unfortunate that the president of the United States cannot even make it through a ceremony honoring these heroes without having to throw out a racial slur."

Paula Starr, executive director of the Southern California Indian Center, told CBS2 News politicians need to unlearn stereotypes about Native Americans.

"President Trump, like on many issues, he needs to maybe watch what he says, think about what he says before he says it," Starr told CBS2 Monday. "The term 'Pocahontas,' unfortunately, he did it in a negative way, and we're not negative people."

(TM and © Copyright 2017 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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