Donald Trump—the man whose quest for the presidency has included attacks on Latinxs, Muslims and those who seek justice for Black people living in America—now says he regrets his rhetoric.
In a speech at a campaign event last night (August 18) in Charlotte, Trump addressed past issues. “Sometimes, in the heat of debate and speaking on a multitude of issues, you don’t choose the right words or you say the wrong thing. I have done that, and believe it or not, I regret it,” he said. “And I do regret it, particularly where it may have caused personal pain. Too much is at stake for us to be consumed with these issues. But one thing I can promise you is this: I will always tell you the truth.”
TRUMP: Sometimes speaking in the heat of debate you say the wrong thing. I’ve done that. I regret it.https://t.co/PT3rHl6gEJ
— FOX & Friends (@foxandfriends) August 18, 2016
The full text of the speech appears here. It comes just one day after the Republican nominee for president appointed new top staffers: Campaign CEO Stephen K. Bannon and Campaign Manager Kellyanne Conway. Trump has seen his polling numbers fall in the weeks since the Republican National Convention, as his ongoing fight with the family of a slain Muslim American soldier and his seeming threat on the life of opponent Hillary Clinton gave some voters pause.