Sen. Susan Collins joined Monday the rapidly growing chorus of Republicans scolding Donald Trump, the party’s presumptive presidential nominee, for remarks about the Mexican heritage of a federal judge, calling it “completely unacceptable.”
Mr. Trump has come under intense fire from both parties after saying the ethnicity of District Judge Gonzalo Curiel, who was born in Indiana to parents from Mexico, created a conflict of interest in considering a case against Trump University.
“His statement that Judge Curiel could not rule fairly because of his Mexican heritage does not represent our American values,” Ms. Collins said. “Mr. Trump’s comments demonstrate both a lack of respect for the judicial system and the principle of separation of powers.”
Other Republicans who have criticized Mr. Trump’s comments include Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who has been mentioned as a potential running mate for the billionaire businessman.
The comment also provided fresh ammunition for attacks by likely Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.
Mr. Trump called the comment by Mr. Gingrich “inappropriate.”
“All I’m trying to do is figure out why I’m being treated so unfairly by a judge and a lot of people agree with it,” Mr. Trump said on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends” program.
Mr. Trump is being sued by students who claim they were ripped off by the Trump University, which teaches courses in real estate strategies.
• S.A. Miller can be reached at smiller@washingtontimes.com.
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