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Donald Trump: It was my decision to cut off ties with Macy's
(REUTERS/Brendan McDermid)
Minutes after Macy's announced it was severing business ties with Donald Trump, the real-estate mogul and GOP presidential candidate said it was his decision to leave Macy's.
Macy's and Trump cut ties in the days 700,000 people signed on to a petition calling for his ouster.
"I have decided to terminate my relationship with Macy’s because of the pressure being put on them by outside sources," Trump said in a statement provided by his campaign. "While selling Trump ties and shirts at Macy’s is a small business in terms of dollar volume, my principles are far more important and therefore much more valuable."
He also said he was upset that his shirts were made in China, saying he would "insist" that a future product line would be manufactured in the US.
CNN's MJ Lee reports that the company will remove Trump's merchandise from its stores.
"We are disappointed and distressed by recent remarks about immigrants from Mexico. We do not believe the disparaging characterizations portray an accurate picture of the many Mexicans, Mexican Americans and Latinos who have made so many valuable contributions to the success of our nation," the company said in a statement.
We've reached out to Macy's for comment and will update if we hear back.
NBC also cut ties with Trump recently after he called Mexican immigrants rapists and drug runners. Those comments stemmed from a speech in which he announced his intention to run for president.
Trump slammed both companies in the statement.
"I have always said that if you are successful, it is very hard to run for office, especially the office of President. I have also continually stated that I am not beholden to anyone and this includes NBC and Macy’s," he said. "Clearly, NBC and Macy’s support illegal immigration, which is totally detrimental to the fabric of our once great country."
Trump's clothing collection, which features primarily business clothing, was sold through Macy's. Items include $70 dress shirts and $65 ties.
Two years ago, people petitioned Macy's to fire Trump after he made comments that were allegedly sexist and denied the existence of climate change.
At the time, Macy's CEO Terry Lundgren defended Trump, saying "ours is a free society compromised [sic] of a wide range of viewpoints," according to The Huffington Post.
Other retailers who carry Trump's merchandise include Overstock.com and Amazon.
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