Donald Trump doesn't deny he told The New York Times he's flexible on immigration

Donald Trump won&#039;t deny New York Times immigration conversation — (Image credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

At Thursday's Fox News debate in Detroit, Megyn Kelly asked Donald Trump about a report in BuzzFeed that he told The New York Times in an off-the-record conversation that he is flexible about his immigration proposals, including his promise to deport 11 million immigrants. She asked Trump if he said those things, especially about his "deportation plan." Trump didn't respond directly.

First he questioned BuzzFeed's accuracy, then he said he believed in the sanctity of off-the-record conversation. "I think being off the record is a very important thing, a very powerful thing," he said. Next, Trump endorsed the idea of dealmaking, saying "there always have to be some tug and pull and deal," especially when a president deals with Congress. He then returned to how the conversation was off-the-record. "How flexible are you on this issue?" Kelly asked about his immigration plans. "Not very. No, not very flexible."

When the moderators turned to Marco Rubio, he lectured Trump on what off-the-record means. "Off-the-record isn't up to The New York Times, Donald, it's up to you," he said, noting that if Trump asked The Times to release the transcript, they would. Kelly asked if Trump would tell The Times to release the audio tapes. No, Trump said. "I have too much respect for that process."

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.