Donald Trump refused to release New York Times transcripts that purport to show him softening his immigration stance Thursday at the Fox News Republican Debate, citing his respect for journalistic integrity.
Moderator Megyn Kelly asked Trump about an audio recording from an off-the-record interview he gave to the New York Times in January in which he "expressed flexibility" about his hardline immigration policy.
"Did you tell [the New York Times], specifically, that you are flexible when it comes to your deportation plan?" Kelly said.
Trump said that he "may have" discussed a softer stance on immigration with the New York Times, but that he would not release the transcripts because he wanted to maintain the integrity of off-the-record interviews.
"I may have discussed something like that with the New York Times, but I would never release off-the-record conversations. I don't think it's fair, frankly, to do that to anybody," Trump said.
Trump called an off-the-record interview "a very important thing," a "very, very powerful thing," and a matter of honor.
"These three gentlemen have gone off the record many times with reporters and I think they want to honor it and I would always honor that," Trump said, referring to his Republican contenders.
He then said that negotiation would be necessary in any deal regardless.
"I will say though, in terms of immigration and almost anything else, there always has to be some, you know, tug-and-pull and deal," Trump said.
Sen. Marco Rubio (R., Fla.) told Trump that it was his choice whether he released the transcripts or not.
"First of all, let me say on the issue of the off-the-record, that's not up to the New York Times. That's up to you, Donald. If tonight you tell the New York Times to release the audio, they will do it and we can exactly see what your true views are on immigration," Rubio said.
"Fine," Trump said.
However, when Kelly asked Trump again whether he would release the tapes, Trump refused and cited the same argument about journalistic practices.
"No. I would not do that I don't think -- I have too much respect -- if I deal with you off the record. If I deal with Bret or Chris off the record, I have too much respect for that process to say ‘just release everything.’ I would not do that," Trump said.
As part of his immigration platform, Trump has promised both to deport 11 million illegal immigrants using a "deportation force" and to build a wall on the Mexican border and make Mexico pay for it.