Donald Trump made some pretty appalling statements while kicking off his 2016 presidential campaign, but as least he's owning them.
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Trump bashed undocumented Mexican immigrants in a speech last week, calling them drug dealers, criminals and rapists. He also bragged about how he intends to build a massive, sturdy wall along the U.S.-Mexico border to keep such threats to our country out.
"I love the Mexican people and have great respect for Mexico. But Mexico has totally taken advantage of the United States, both at the border and at trade. I'm exposing the truth," Trump told People in a statement.
"There is nothing to apologize for. Many bad people are pouring through. I'm not saying just Mexican, many bad people. All you have to do is ask the border patrol. I don't have a racist bone in my body. I'm just exposing things that everybody knows is happening, but nobody wants to talk about."
As a result of Trump's inflammatory comments, representatives for the Spanish-language TV station Univision announced Thursday they're pulling the plug on the Miss USA pageant -- which is in part owned by the 69-year-old The Celebrity Apprentice star. Trump, in turn, reportedly plans to slap them with a "major lawsuit."
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Even NBC, which airs the Miss USA pageant in English as well as The Apprentice franchise, is separating itself from Trump to seemingly save face.
"Donald Trump's opinions do not represent those of NBC, and we do not agree with his position on a number of issues, including his recent comments on immigration," the network told People.
"NBC has been a tremendous friend and partner," Trump explained. "[But Univision] do most of their business in Mexico. They're trying to silence me. The border is a disaster, and they don't want me to expose that."
Trump acknowledged he has no idea what will happen six months from now, but he's proud to say the polls have been "extraordinary."
NBC announced in February they had decided to renew The Celebrity Apprentice for another season, however, TMZ reported the reality show will be put on hold during Trump's run for the Oval Office because he cannot receive disproportionate airtime.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski