ESPN Latest To Dump Donald Trump
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- ESPN became the latest company to part ways with Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate who caused controversy with inflammatory remarks about Mexican immigrants as he kicked off his White House bid last month.
WCBS 880's Marla Diamond was in the Bronx Monday as the billionaire opened up the New York Yankees' Charity Golf Classic at Trump's new course.
ESPN Latest To Dump Donald Trump
Just hours earlier, ESPN became the latest to distance themselves from Trump after his remarks, saying they'll move their celebrity golf classic from Trump National.
Trump says the controversy is helping his poll numbers. He's currently second behind Jeb Bush among likely Republican voters -- and he's not backing down.
"No, not at all," Trump declared. "We have to stop illegal immigration into this country. It's killing our country."
The GOP businessman issued a statement Monday responding to critics in and out of his party. Trump called Mexican immigrants criminals and rapists as he launched his presidential bid last month.
In his new statement, quoted in multiple published reports, Trump says "the Mexican government is forcing their most unwanted people into the United States." In many cases, he says, they are "criminals, drug dealers, rapists, etc."
He says "many fabulous people come in from Mexico and our country is better for it." He then calls the United States "a dumping ground for Mexico."
ESPN Latest To Dump Donald Trump
Several other companies, including NBC, Univision and Macy's department stores, have also cut ties with Trump.
The Yankees, however, aren't distancing themselves at all, as owner Hank Steinbrenner continues to have his annual golf outing at Trump's course.
"He's done a lot, a lot for charity," Steinbrenner said. "Probably more for charity than any other candidate."
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