Here's Why Trump Says He Can't 'Unequivocally Condemn' David Duke, KKK Endorsement

Sunday morning on “State of the Union,” CNN’s Jake Tapper questioned Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on the endorsement he received from infamous white supremacist and former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke.

“Will you unequivocally condemn David Duke and say that you don’t want his vote or that of other White Supremacists in this election?” Tapper asked.

Former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke speaks to supporters at a reception Saturday, May 29, 2004, in Kenner, La. Fresh out of prison for bilking supporters, Duke hosted a weekend gathering of enthusiastic backers eager to hear him as he lashed out at Jews, blacks, immigrants and the ``Zionist-controlled media.'' (AP Photo/Burt Steel)

“Well just so you understanding, I don’t know anything about David Duke, or anything about what you’re even talking about with White Supremacy or White Supremacists,” Trump replied. “So I don’t know.”

Tapper pressed further.

“But, I guess the question from the Anti-Defamation League is, even if you don’t know about their endorsement, there are these groups and individuals endorsing you, would you just say unequivocally you condemn them and don’t want their support.”

“Well I’d have to look at the group. I mean, I don’t know what group you’re talking about. You wouldn’t want me to condemn a group that I know nothing about,” Trump said.

Trump said that if he had access to a list of the individuals and groups that support him, he would research them to determine whether or not their actions and beliefs merited his condemnation.

“Certainly I would disavow if I thought there was something wrong,” he assured.

Tapper then asked Trump to comment only on David Duke or the Ku Klux Klan and whether or not he would be willing to reject their endorsement.

“Honestly, I don’t know David Duke,” Trump replied. “I don’t believe I’ve ever met him … and I just don’t know anything about him.”

Watch:

.@realDonaldTrump: "I know nothing about David Duke" https://t.co/1FIKzrf8Kb #CNNSOTU https://t.co/hfEJArGwmv

— CNN (@CNN) February 28, 2016

Republican candidate Ted Cruz also appeared on the show Sunday morning and told Tapper that Trump is a wild card who "doesn't know what he would do" if elected president.

“If Donald becomes President, who the heck knows what he would do? Even Donald doesn’t know what he would do.” Cruz said. “And I think the challenges facing this country are too great to roll the dice.”

“But just for the record, even though you think all of that about Donald Trump, you still would support him for the presidency if he gets the nomination?” Tapper asked.

“I will support the Republican nominee, but I’m working very hard and I intend for that nominee to be me,” Cruz said.

This story has been updated.