US election: Trump steps back from Republican support pledge
Image copyrightGetty ImagesImage captionMr Trump had pledged to support whoever Republican presidential candidate
US Republican front-runner Donald Trump has dropped his pledge to support the party candidate if he does not win the nomination for the November election.
Mr Trump's rivals, Ted Cruz and John Kasich, refused to say outright whether they would unite behind a nominee.
All the Republican candidates signed a loyalty pledge last November.
It is the latest sign of friction between Mr Trump and Mr Cruz, who have been embroiled in a dispute involving each other's wives.
A committee supporting Mr Cruz published a nude photo of Mr Trump's wife Melania from 2000. In retaliation, Mr Trump tweeted an unflattering picture of Mr Cruz's wife Heidi.
Mr Trump claims he has been "treated very unfairly" by Republican party leaders - some have expressed disquiet or downright opposition to him winning the nomination.
To a question about whether he maintained his loyalty pledge from last November, Mr Trump said: "No, I do not any more."
Earlier, when asked the same question, Mr Cruz did not give a direct answer but said: "I am not in the habit of supporting someone who attacks my wife and attacks my family."
Mr Trump later replied, saying he did not need Mr Cruz's support. "I have tremendous support right now from the people."
US Republican front-runner Donald Trump has dropped his pledge to support the party candidate if he does not win the nomination for the November election.
Mr Trump's rivals, Ted Cruz and John Kasich, refused to say outright whether they would unite behind a nominee.
All the Republican candidates signed a loyalty pledge last November.
It is the latest sign of friction between Mr Trump and Mr Cruz, who have been embroiled in a dispute involving each other's wives.
A committee supporting Mr Cruz published a nude photo of Mr Trump's wife Melania from 2000. In retaliation, Mr Trump tweeted an unflattering picture of Mr Cruz's wife Heidi.
Mr Trump claims he has been "treated very unfairly" by Republican party leaders - some have expressed disquiet or downright opposition to him winning the nomination.
To a question about whether he maintained his loyalty pledge from last November, Mr Trump said: "No, I do not any more."
Earlier, when asked the same question, Mr Cruz did not give a direct answer but said: "I am not in the habit of supporting someone who attacks my wife and attacks my family."
Mr Trump later replied, saying he did not need Mr Cruz's support. "I have tremendous support right now from the people."
Image copyrightReutersImage captionTexas Senator Ted Cruz did not answer if he would support any Republican presidential candidate
The billionaire has been repeatedly criticised by his rivals and observers for a campaign that has included personal attacks at rivals and criticism and violence against protesters.
Earlier on Tuesday, Mr Trump's campaign manager Corey Lewandowski was charged with assaulting a journalist at a campaign event.
Police said Mr Lewandowski grabbed former Breitbart reporter Michelle Fields' arm when she tried to ask Mr Trump a question, leaving a bruise.
Despite the numerous recent controversies surrounding him, Mr Trump is currently well ahead in the Republican race with 739 delegates to Mr Cruz's 465.
Mr Kasich is some way behind with 143, with the 1,237 needed to win the nomination probably out of his reach.
The three candidates have campaigned in Wisconsin ahead of next Tuesday's primary there.
More on the Trump campaign
The billionaire has been repeatedly criticised by his rivals and observers for a campaign that has included personal attacks at rivals and criticism and violence against protesters.
Earlier on Tuesday, Mr Trump's campaign manager Corey Lewandowski was charged with assaulting a journalist at a campaign event.
Police said Mr Lewandowski grabbed former Breitbart reporter Michelle Fields' arm when she tried to ask Mr Trump a question, leaving a bruise.
Despite the numerous recent controversies surrounding him, Mr Trump is currently well ahead in the Republican race with 739 delegates to Mr Cruz's 465.
Mr Kasich is some way behind with 143, with the 1,237 needed to win the nomination probably out of his reach.
The three candidates have campaigned in Wisconsin ahead of next Tuesday's primary there.
More on the Trump campaign
Source: BBC
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