Trump: Judge Comments ‘Misconstrued,’ ‘Justified’

Due to the backlash from Republicans, Democrats, and media pundits over Donald Trump’s statements about Judge Gonzalo Curiel being biased in overseeing a fraud case against Trump University because of his Mexican heritage, the presumptive Republican nominee issued a detailed statement on Tuesday saying he feels justified in the comments he made based upon Curiel’s rulings in the case.

Trump stated in the press release on Tuesday:

It is unfortunate that my comments have been misconstrued as a categorical attack against people of Mexican heritage. I am friends with and employ thousands of people of Mexican and Hispanic descent. The American justice system relies on fair and impartial judges. All judges should be held to that standard. I do not feel that one’s heritage makes them incapable of being impartial, but, based on the rulings that I have received in the Trump University civil case, I feel justified in questioning whether I am receiving a fair trial.

Trump’s press release continues:

Over the past few weeks, I have watched as the media has reported one inaccuracy after another concerning the ongoing litigation involving Trump University. There are several important facts the public should know and that the media has failed to report.

Throughout the litigation my attorneys have continually demonstrated that students who participated in Trump University were provided a substantive, valuable education based upon a curriculum developed by professors from Northwestern University, Columbia Business School, Stanford University and other respected institutions. And, the response from students was overwhelming. Over a five year period, more than 10,000 paying students filled out surveys giving the courses high marks and expressing their overwhelming satisfaction with Trump University’s programs.

Trump goes on to list three former Trump University students, two of which are lead plaintiffs in a fraud case against Trump University, who rated their courses as “excellent” in a survey.

Trump’s campaign press release says thousands of other positive surveys can be seen at www.98percentapproval.com.

Trump also detailed the school’s refund policy, which gave a full refund to students who asked for money back within three days of signing up for the program or by the end of the first day of a multiple day course.

“Normally, legal issues in a civil case would be heard in a neutral environment. However, given my unique circumstances as nominee of the Republican Party and the core issues of my campaign that focus on illegal immigration, jobs, and unfair trade, I have concerns as to my ability to receive a fair trial,” Trump states in the press release.

I am fighting hard to bring jobs back to the United States. Many companies – like Ford, General Motors, Nabisco, Carrier – are moving production to Mexico. Drugs and illegal immigrants are also pouring across our border. This is bad for all Americans, regardless of their heritage.

Due to what I believe are unfair and mistaken rulings in this case and the Judge’s reported associations with certain professional organizations, questions were raised regarding the Obama appointed Judge’s impartiality. It is a fair question. I hope it is not the case.

“While this lawsuit should have been dismissed, it is now scheduled for trial in November. I do not intend to comment on this matter any further. With all of the thousands of people who have given the courses such high marks and accolades, we will win this case!” Trump concludes.