Tonight marks the first Republican primary debate in the US. There are ten candidates participating in the event, but it's fair to say so far media headlines have been dominated by just one hopeful - Donald Trump. Going by past form, it would almost be surprising if he didn't say something outrageous during tonight's debate.
Trump's presidential campaign has already caused plenty of controversy. The most discussed so far have been his comments on Mexican immigrants entering the US. Dubbed 'racist' and 'derogatory' by some, the fallout from the remarks has even impacted Trump's businesses. US network NBC, for example, ended its business relationship with Trump following the comments.
It's just one of several controversies to have arisen during the campaign so far. During one debate Trump revealed the private phone number of rival Republican presidential candidate Senator Lindsey Graham. Separately, Trump lost an election poll to a piece of fruit.
Even over the last few days the Trump campaign has been subject to fresh scrutiny over attempts to distance itself from a Republican accused of making 'racially charged' remarks on social media.
All this is pretty par for the course for a figure who has not only been controversial over the years, but has actively courted said controversy. Below are just a few of his most inflammatory comments, quotes and statements.
From attacks on celebrities to conspiracy theories to some comments accused of misogyny, no wonder there will be critics ready to pounce on his every word at tonight's debate.
An 'extremely credible source' has called my office and told me that @BarackObama's birth certificate is a fraud.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 6, 2012
While @BetteMidler is an extremely unattractive woman, I refuse to say that because I always insist on being politically correct.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 28, 2012
.@ariannahuff is unattractive both inside and out. I fully understand why her former husband left her for a man- he made a good decision.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 28, 2012
I have never seen a thin person drinking Diet Coke.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 14, 2012
Amazing how the haters & losers keep tweeting the name “F**kface Von Clownstick” like they are so original & like no one else is doing it...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 3, 2013
Healthy young child goes to doctor, gets pumped with massive shot of many vaccines, doesn't feel good and changes - AUTISM. Many such cases!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 28, 2014
Trump on The Apprentice hopefuls:
"All of the women on The Apprentice flirted with me - consciously or unconsciously. That's to be expected." - The Daily News, 2004
Trump on China:
"Our country is in serious trouble. We don’t have victories anymore. We used to have victories, but we don’t have them. When was the last time anybody saw us beating, let’s say, China in a trade deal? They kill us. I beat China all the time. All the time." - Trump campaign speech, 2015
Trump on Mexican immigrants:
"When Mexico sends its people, they're not sending their best… They're sending people that have lots of problems. And they're bringing those problems with us. They're bringing drugs, they're bringing crime, they're rapists. And some, I assume, are good people." - Trump campaign speech, 2015
Trump on Trump:
"Part of the beauty of me is that I am very rich." - ABC’s Good Morning America, 2012
