Hours after NBC announced it was cutting business ties with him, television personality and Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump said today the network is “weak” and more interested in political correctness than recognizing the problem of “illegal immigrants” in America.
He also hinted that he would take the network to court over the cancellation of the business relationship, which means the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants will not air on the network. The decision stemmed from Trump’s much-publicized comments criticizing Mexican immigrants.
“If NBC is so weak and so foolish to not understand the serious illegal immigration problem in the United States, coupled with the horrendous and unfair trade deals we are making with Mexico, then their contract-violating closure of Miss Universe/Miss USA will be determined in court,” Trump said. “Furthermore, they will stand behind lying (former network news anchor) Brian Williams, but won’t stand behind the people that tell it like it is, as unpleasant as that may be.”
NBC officials issued a statement saying it was cutting ties with Trump “due to the recent derogatory statements” he made regarding immigrants.
“At NBC, respect and dignity for all people are cornerstones of our values,” according to the network.
NBC noted that Trump has already said he would not be participating in the show “The Apprentice” while he is running for president.
“‘Celebrity Apprentice’ is licensed from Mark Burnett’s United Artists Media Group and that relationship will continue,” according to the network.
When announcing his bid for the presidency earlier this month, Trump said in relation to immigrants, “When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best. They’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems with (them). They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.”
Univision, the Spanish-language network, announced last week it was cutting ties with Trump over the comments.
Trump has also threatened legal action against Univision.
“We must have strong borders and not let illegal immigrants enter the United States,” Trump said in response to NBC’s announcement. “As has been stated continuously in the press, people are pouring across our borders unabated. Public reports routinely state great amounts of crime are being committed by illegal immigrants. This must be stopped and it must be stopped now.”
— Wire reports