Donald Trump defended his response to the Charlottesville white supremacist violence in a divisive Arizona speech on Tuesday night, rebuking the "very dishonest media" for misrepresenting his statements.

Protesters clashed with police outside the arena in Phoenix after the rally. Police fired tear gas and smoke grenades to disperse the crowds.

Mr Trump last week blamed hatred "on many sides" for the violence ten days ago in Virginia that left a protester dead and several injured when they were run over by a white supremacist.