Donald Trump claims Mexican immigrants bring 'tremendous infectious disease' across the border

Trump’s attempts at defending his comments have created more controversy

(Getty Images)

Donald Trump has accused Mexican immigrants of bringing “infectious diseases” across the border into the US in another attempt at defending his controversial claim that they are criminals and rapists.

The business magnate sparked a national outcry, lost major business deals and had lucrative ties with companies severed in response to his controversial statements about immigration – all of which have been made in the turbulent three weeks after he launched his bid for the Republican presidential nomination.

Trump admitted to “losing a lot” during his car-crash campaign, but appeared undeterred by his losses when he released yet another inflammatory statement on Monday accusing the Mexican Government of forcing “their most unwanted people into the United States”.

He also defended his initial 16 June statement, which he claimed was distorted by the media.

“The worst elements in Mexico are being pushed into the United States by the Mexican government," he said.

“The largest suppliers of heroin, cocaine and other illicit drugs are Mexican cartels that arrange to have Mexican immigrants trying to cross the borders and smuggle in the drugs.

“The border patrol knows this. Likewise, tremendous infectious disease is pouring across the border. The United States has become a dumping ground for Mexico and, in fact, for many other parts of the world.

"On the other hand, many fabulous people come in from Mexico and our country is better for it. But these people are here legally, and are severely hurt by those coming in illegally."

His previous attempts at reiterating his views resulted in him asserting that “somebody is doing the raping” after CNN host Don Lemon pointed out that he had misunderstood the crux of an article he was using as evidence for his claims.

Trump's divisive comments have caused many Republicans to distance themselves from him, with Jeb Bush saying simply: "Trump is wrong about this." But other candidates, such as Ted Cruz, have stood by him and blamed the media for vilifying him.

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