Trump Says Racist Comment About Mexican-American Judge Was “Misconstrued,” Doesn’t Apologize

In about the farthest possible thing from an apology, Donald Trump tried Tuesday to quell the outrage over his recent remark that Judge Gonzalo Curiel, who is of Mexican descent, should recuse himself from a lawsuit against Trump University because of his ethnicity. 

Trump's statement blamed the media for issuing “one inaccuracy after another concerning the ongoing litigation involving Trump University” and said it was “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," Trump said -- as if people with Mexican friends can't possibly be racist. 

The issue exploded earlier in the day, with House Speaker Paul Ryan put in the awkward position of passionately disavowing Trump's statement while standing by his endorsement of Trump's candidacy. Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk, one of the most vulnerable Republicans running for re-election this year, said Tuesday he "cannot and will not support" Trump for president. Sen. Lindsay Graham from South Carolina, who has long made clear his distaste for Trump, called the comments about Curiel "un-American."

In his statement, Trump still asserts – several times -- that he feels “justified in questioning whether I am receiving a fair trial.” He points the finger at “the Judge’s reported associations with certain professional organizations” and raises questions “regarding the Obama appointed judge’s impartiality.” Lest you were wondering whether that is a fair question, Trump has the answer for you: “It is a fair question.”

He gives a lengthy defense for Trump University and then says, “I do not intend to comment on this matter any further” – unless, undoubtedly, someone goads him over Twitter or an interviewer happens to mention it or he gets heckled about it at a rally. Then you’ll likely be hearing more about this judge.

Photo of Judge Gonzalo Curiel from US District Court Southern District of California via NBC News.