Donald Trump hit back at former House Speaker Newt Gingrich for criticizing the presumptive Republican nominee’s comments about the federal judge handling the Trump University case.
Speaking on “Fox & Friends,” Trump labeled it “inappropriate” of Gingrich to rebuke his recent attacks against Judge Gonzalo Curiel. Trump has said Curiel is biased against him due to his “Mexican heritage” and has called the American-born jurist “a Mexican.”
“As far as Newt is concerned — I was surprised at Newt,” Trump said. “I thought it was inappropriate what he said.”
Gingrich, who has been supportive of Trump and even talked about as a vice presidential possibility, was stinging in his rebuke.
“This is one of the worst mistakes Trump has made,” Gingrich told “Fox News Sunday.” “I think it’s inexcusable.”
“This judge was born in Indiana. He is an American. Period,” Gingrich said. “When you come to America, you get to become an American. And Trump, who has grandparents who came to the U.S., should understand this as much as anybody.”
“Trump has got to move to a new level,” Gingrich continued. “This is no longer the primaries. He’s no longer an interesting contender. He is now a potential leader of the United States, and he’s got to move his game up to the level of being a potential leader.”
Along with Gingrich, fellow GOP leaders such as House Speaker Paul Ryan, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus all declined to back Trump’s latest attack.
