Donald Trump says remarks about 'Mexican' judge were 'misconstrued'

WASHINGTON, June 7 (UPI) -- Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said Tuesday his controversial remarks that questioned whether a federal judge overseeing civil litigation relating to Trump University is ruling against him because he is of Mexican descent were "misconstrued" by the media.

In a statement, Trump seemingly walked back the remarks, which he made during a rally in San Diego last week, then reiterated in media interviews.

Trump questioned whether Judge Gonzalo Curiel is a "Mexican," though he was born in Indiana to parents who immigrated from Mexico. Trump said his determination to build a wall between the United States and Mexico and deport an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants is behind a number of decisions the judge has made against Trump in the Trump University case.

"It is unfortunate that my comments have been misconstrued as a categorical attack against people of Mexican heritage," Trump said. "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."

The response to Trump's comments from fellow Republicans has been swift and harsh, with many top GOP elected officials distancing themselves from Trump.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., who just last week formally backed Trump after publicly questioning whether he was the party's proper standard-bearer, called the remarks "the textbook definition of a racist comment."

Despite the harsh words, Ryan said he still supports Trump as the party's nominee.

For others, that was not the case.

Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., who is locked in a tight re-election campaign, said the remarks were enough to make him pull his endorsement of Trump. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who also ran for the GOP nomination, said he was disavowing Trump's support and encouraged other Republicans to do so.