Donald Trump claimed he "listens better" to African-American community than a group of renowned civil rights activists, including the son of Martin Luther King, during a meeting held days before taking office .
A recording and transcript of the meeting between Mr Trump, Martin Luther King III, William Wachtel, and Riverside Church pastor Dr Rev James Forbes, was passed to the Independent.
The meeting was held days before Mr Trump's inauguration in 2017 as a way to settle tensions between the incoming president and the African-American community.
A Trump aide described the event as "the most disastrous outreach meeting in the history of presidential transition".
Mr Trump told the group of civil rights activists: "I listen better to the African-American people than anybody else. Anybody else in this room."
One team member who heard the exchange told the Independent: "I was so embarrassed. Who in their sober, right mind would say to Martin Luther King III, whose father gave his life fighting for equality for people of colour, would say they did more - as in more than giving up your life - for black people than anybody else?"
During the meeting, Mr Trump also boasted of how he had received a larger share of the African-American vote than the two previous presidential candidates.
The group also tried to discuss plans for Black History Month celebrations, but Mr Trump raised the topic of John Lewis and the media attention given to his decision not to attend the upcoming inauguration.
Theodore Mukamal, an attorney and ex-Wachtel aide, provided the recording to the Independent.
"You’re dying from laughing inside, but you can’t laugh because you’re in a serious place," he said.
When asked for comment on the remarks made by Mr Trump during the recording, White House spokesman Judd Deere told the Independent: "Donald Trump’s record as a private citizen and as president has been one of fighting for inclusion and advocating for the equal treatment of all.
"Anyone who suggests otherwise is only seeking to sow division and ignore the president’s work for underserved communities, including during his time in office with groundbreaking criminal justice reform, the creation of Opportunity Zones, building the most inclusive economy in American history, and prioritising our nation’s HBCUs (historically black colleges and universities) with permanent funding.
"The president is grateful for his support among black Americans, and their many contributions to helping make America great."
