Donald Trump’s top aide has denied claims that the presidential candidate is reigning in his extremist views when it comes to hot-button issues like immigration. Despite adopting a more “presidential style” recently, Trump’s adviser, Paul Manafort, has confirmed that it’s business as usual for Trump when it comes to scapegoating immigrants.
If elected, Manafort confirmed that Trump will follow through with his promise to build a wall between Mexico and America to keep out those he has branded as rapists, drug-runners, and murderers. He was quick to reassure supporters that the billionaire real-estate mogul is as bigoted and intolerant as ever.
Manafort made these comments in response to taunts by rival Republican candidate, Ted Cruz, that Trump has no intention of actually going ahead with his immigration policies. Cruz accused Trump of lying about his plans to “fool gullible voters.”
Cruz’s assertions are based on a closed-door meeting between Manafort and top Republican officials last week. Manafort reportedly told those present at the meeting that Trump was making efforts to modify his image, stating that the:
“…part that he’s been playing is now evolving.”
Manafort defended the Republican front-runner vigorously against claims he was becoming more reasonable by saying:
“I never said Trump wasn’t going to build a wall. I never said Trump was going to change any of his positions.”
Trump’s other memorable positions include banning all Muslims from entering the country and deporting millions of undocumented immigrants.
Manafort claimed Cruz was attacking Trump to distract attention from his poor performance in the lead up to primary elections in Pennsylvania and other states.
However, based on Manafort’s behind-closed-doors comments about Trump’s “evolving” image, it can be surmised that the candidate is under intense pressure from sections of his party to tone down his rhetoric.
Trump’s campaign, which has relied heavily on dog-whistle politics, is now grappling with the dilemma of how to maintain his current support base. At the same time, he will still be trying to win over voters who are not as enamored with his extreme views.
If this latest clumsy effort is anything to go by, Trump won’t have much luck winning over the hearts and minds of more moderate voters.
Featured image via Video.
