GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump issued a statement Monday on the controversy surrounding his comments on illegal immigration made during his formal campaign announcement speech in New York City.
“I don’t see how there is any room for misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the statement I made on June 16th during my Presidential announcement speech,” Trump stated. He argued that his statement has been “deliberately distorted by the media” as he released his full statement from the speech:
When Mexico (meaning the Mexican Government) sends its people, they’re not sending their best. They’re not sending you (pointing to the audience). They’re not sending you (pointing again). They’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems to us. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people! But I speak to border guards and they tell us what we’re getting. And it only makes common sense. They’re sending us not the right people. It’s coming from more than Mexico. It’s coming from all over South and Latin America, and it’s coming probably from the Middle East. But we don’t know. Because we have no protection and we have no competence, we don’t know what’s happening. And it’s got to stop, and it’s got to stop fast.
Trump said the killing of the woman in San Francisco, by a five-time deported Mexican illegal immigrant who had a long record, is one of thousands of similar incidents throughout the United States.
“The largest suppliers of heroin, cocaine and other illicit drugs are Mexican cartels that arrange to have Mexican immigrants trying to cross the borders and smuggle in the drugs. The Border Patrol knows this. Likewise, tremendous infectious disease is pouring across the border,” Trump touted.
He added that many “fabulous people” come from Mexico, but they come to America legally and are actually hurt by those who come illegally.
“I am proud to say that I know many hard working Mexicans – many of them are working for and with me… and, just like our country, my organization is better for it.”
Trump said, “I have lost a lot during this Presidential run defending the people of the United States.”
He referenced Univision, Macy’s, NBC, Serta, and NASCAR, who have cut business ties and “taken the weak and very sad position of being politically correct,” according to Trump.
“The last thing Mexico wants is Donald Trump as President, in that I will make great trade deals for the United States and will have an impenetrable border – only legally approved people will come through easily.”
He clarified that his statements were made an issue not at the time of his speech, but later; if they were at all incorrect, he would have corrected them immediately.
Trump concluded, “The issues I have addressed, and continue to address, are vital steps to Make America Great Again! Additionally, I would be the best jobs President that God ever created. Let’s get to work!”