Donald Trump defends comments about immigrants 'poisoning the nation’s blood'

Donald Trump alleged, without offering evidence, that immigrants bring crime and potentially disease with them.

Mr Trump spoke to supporters in Waterloo, Iowa (AP)

Former US president Donald Trump has defended his comments about migrants crossing the southern border “poisoning the blood” of America.

Mr Trump went on to reinforce the message while denying it bore any similarities to fascist writings others had noted.