Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Donald Trump says 'I guess' when asked if he'd vote against former KKK leader David Duke

David Duke has praised Trump's campaign

Sadie Levy Gale
Sunday 24 July 2016 12:50 EDT
Comments
Trump Quickly Rebukes David Duke

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Donald Trump has said he would vote against former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke – depending on who the Democrat standing against him was.

Duke, who previously ran unsuccessful campaigns for Senate and governor of Louisiana, has announced that he is running to take the place of outgoing Republican senator David Vitter.

In an interview with NBC News, Mr Trump was asked if he would support a Democrat over Mr Duke if it was necessary to defeat him, Mr Trump replied: “I guess, depending on who the Democrat is, but the answer would be yes.”

David Duke said voting against Donald Trump would be akin to ‘treason’
David Duke said voting against Donald Trump would be akin to ‘treason’ (AP)

Mr Duke, who founded a chapter of the KKK in the 1970s and went on to become the organisation's 'Grand Wizard', has said he believes in equal rights for all Americans. “However, what makes me different is I also demand respect for the rights and heritage of European Americans," he said.

He has also said he is overjoyed to see Mr Trump embrace “most of the issues I championed for years”.

Mr Trump’s campaign has attracted support from white supremacist groups since he began campaigning against Mexican and Muslim immigration to the US.

David Duke on one of his earlier unsuccessful campaigns
David Duke on one of his earlier unsuccessful campaigns (AP)

The Republican nominee dismissed Mr Duke’s congressional run and Mr Duke’s endorsement of his candidacy, telling NBC News he had already “rebuked" Mr Duke.

Mr Trump also claimed the purpose of the European union was to “beat the United States when it came to making money” in the interview.

“The reason it got together was like a consortium so that it could compete with the United States," he said.

Mr Trump has previously praised the Brexit vote as “brave and brilliant”, saying British voters “took back control of their country” by deciding to leave the European Union.

Donald Trump praises Saddam Hussein for his ability to kill terrorists

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in