Trump says his criticism of federal judge was misconstrued
Presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump is clarifying his criticism of a federal judge overseeing a Trump University lawsuit.
Trump says his remarks about U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel “have been misconstrued as a categorical attack against people of Mexican heritage,” report Law.com and the Washington Post.
Trump previously labeled U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel “a very hostile judge” and “a hater of Donald Trump” after the judge ordered the release of internal Trump University materials. The judge, Trump had said, “happens to be, we believe, Mexican.” Curiel’s parents are Mexican immigrants; he was born in Indiana.
Trump posted the new statement on Tuesday. “I do not feel that one’s heritage makes them incapable of being impartial,” Trump said, “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.”
Curiel has ordered the release of internal Trump University materials detailing its marketing practices in a class action filed on behalf of dissatisfied students who took the real-estate investment course. Trump released his statement after House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said Trump’s attack on Curiel was “the textbook definition of a racist comment.”
Trump’s statement said students in the course received “a substantive, valuable education” and more than 10,000 students had filled out surveys giving the course high marks.
“Normally, legal issues in a civil case would be heard in a neutral environment,” Trump said in the statement. “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. …
“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.”
Curiel is a member of the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association, a group for Hispanic lawyers. Trump campaign officials appeared to confuse the group with the National Council of La Raza, which has participated in political activities against Trump, according to the Washington Post story.
