Trump makes 'Pocahontas' joke to Navajo veterans

President Donald Trump made an off-colored remark during an event honoring Native American war veterans at the White House on Monday.

Trump hosted three Navajo code talkers from World War II to the Oval Office. While praising the group and their longevity, Trump referred to Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., by the offensive nickname he gave her during the presidential campaign.

"You're very, very special people. You were here long before any of us were here," Trump said. "Although we have the representative in Congress who they say was here a long time ago. They call her 'Pocahontas.' But you know what? I like you."

Trump said that he started calling Warren "Pocahontas" because she has claimed to have some Native American ancestry but has no proof.

Warren said her parents told her and her brothers that the family has Native American heritage but that she doesn't have documentation.

"This was supposed to be an event to honor heroes, people who put it all on the line for our country, who, because of their incredible work, saved the lives of countless Americans and our allies," Warren said in an interview 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."