After days of doubling down on attacks against the judge, and even suggesting Muslim judges, too, might be biased against him, Trump released a statement late Tuesday afternoon saying his remarks had been “misconstrued.” “It is unfortunate that my comments have been misconstrued as a categorical attack against people of Mexican heritage. I am friends with and employ thousands of people of Mexican and Hispanic descent,” Trump’s statement read. Trump also said he did not “intend to comment on this matter any further.” Trump, the only remaining candidate in the Republican race, swept all five Republican contests Tuesday, winning California, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota. He spoke at his golf club in Briarcliff Manor, New York.

Donald Trump: “Now, I know some people say I’m too much of a fighter. My preference is always peace, however. And I’ve shown that. I’ve shown that for a long time. I’ve built an extraordinary business on relationships and deals that benefit all parties involved, always. My goal is always again to bring people together. But if I’m forced to fight for something I really care about, I will never, ever back down, and our country will never, ever back down.”