Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is the latest prominent Republican to defend U.S. District Court Judge Gonzalo Curiel against a Donald Trump’s unrelenting attacks.
“Judge Curiel is an American hero who stood up to the Mexican cartels,” the California Republican wrote in a tweet posted Monday evening.
“I was proud to appoint him when I was [governor],” he added.
Judge Curiel is an American hero who stood up to the Mexican cartels. I was proud to appoint him when I was Gov. https://t.co/ADLCBXw57Q
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) June 6, 2016
Curiel is currently presiding over a civil fraud lawsuit against the Trump’s now-defunct online college, Trump University, and recently called for the release of a handful of court documents related to the case.
The presumptive Republican presidential nominee railed against Curiel during a rally in Schwarzenegger’s home state last week, calling him a “Mexican” and suggesting he recuse himself from the case.
Less than two weeks ago, Schwarzenegger told NBC News he was not ready to endorse Trump, but plans to make an announcement before the November election.
“I think it is important we go and bring both parties together,” he said. “This is where the action is, in the middle.”
