Donald Trump still defiant

Washington: Slammed for advocating a ban on all Muslims from entering the US, leading Republican presidential aspirant Donald Trump has said he is “doing good for the Muslims” and is the “least racist person”.

 

“I’m doing good for the Muslims. Many Muslim friends of mine are in agreement with me. They say, ‘Donald, you brought something up to the fore that is so brilliant and so fantastic,” Trump told CNN, days after he called for for “a complete shutdown of Muslims” entering the US, drawing worldwide rebuke.

 

Among those reaching out to thank him for his strategy, the 69-year-old Republican front-runner said, was “one of the most important people in Middle East”.

 

Trump, however, did not reveal the name of the person who called to say, “Donald, you’re doing a great service.”

 

“I have many friends who are Muslims. They’re phenomenal people. They are so happy at what I’m doing,” he said. 

Trump said he loves the Middle East and the people there.

 

Asked if he is bigoted or Islamophobic, Trump replied with a firm no. “I am the least racist person that you have ever met.”

 

He also asserted that his plan had been misrepresented and expl-ained that the immigration ban may not last long.