Donald Trump faced serious backlash after calling President Barack Obama the founder of ISIS at a rally on Wednesday. The Republican nominee escalated his attack on Thursday, reaffirming his allegation that Obama was the founder of the Islamic State and Hillary Clinton was the co-founder.
Trump’s inflammatory remark ignited yet another wave of criticism and further divided the Republican Party.
The Republican nominee refused to back down from his comment or correct his statement.
After making his initial claim on Wednesday evening that Obama founded ISIS and Clinton was the co-founder, Trump reiterated his allegation three more times on Thursday.
“Our government isn’t giving us good protection. Our government has unleashed ISIS,” Trump said while speaking to the National Association of Home Builders. “I call President Obama and Hillary Clinton the founders of ISIS. They’re the founders.”
Trump continued his rant, giving Clinton the “MVP” (most valuable player) award for her supposed role in the creation of the terrorist group.
“ISIS will hand her the most valuable player award. Her only competition is Barack Obama,” Trump added.
Trump made it clear that he does not feel his comment was inappropriate, and stated that he has made it this far into the election cycle by speaking his mind. The New York billionaire stated that if his comments wind up costing him the election, so be it.
“If at the end of 90 days I fall in short because I’m somewhat politically incorrect even though I’m supposed to be the smart one and even though I’m supposed to have a lot of good ideas, it’s okay,” Trump said. “I go back to a very good way of life.”
