Trump: ‘I Am The Least Racist Person There Is’ Because A Black Guy Won The Apprentice Six Years Ago

Potential presidential candidate Donald Trump has often found himself in hot water for making racially-tinged comments — saying in the span of a single press conference, for example, that President Obama should “get off his basketball court” and that a black reporter must be a “big Obama fan.” Yet, Trump insists he has a “great relationship with the blacks.” Responding to accusations of racism this morning on Fox & Friends, Trump said he is the “least racist person there is,” citing the fact that an African-American man won The Apprentice once as proof:

TRUMP: Well, you know, when it comes to racism and racists, I am the least racist person there is. And I think most people who know me would tell you that. I am the least racist, I’ve had great relationships. In fact, Randal Pinkett won, as you know, on The Apprentice a little while ago, a couple of years ago. And Randall’s been outstanding in every way. So I am the least racist person.

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Indeed, Pinkett won The Apprentice six years ago in December 2005. Trump also pointed to the “tremendous” job rapper Lil Jon is doing on the current season of Celebrity Apprentice.

Pinkett recently said that he thought Trump’s rumored presidential campaign was “another publicity stunt and perhaps a wise and a shrewd one as the Celebrity Apprentice season is rolling around. But I have to say, in recent months, he is really beginning to sound like he’s serious,” Pinkett added, without offering an endorsement of Trump.

Meanwhile, Fox host Steve Doocy mentioned ThinkProgress’ successful campaign to have Groupon and other companies pull advertisements from The Apprentice. Trump said he was unconcerned about the loss, claiming there are “30 other” companies that would want to replace them.