Illegal immigrants are not the “backbone” of America, Donald Trump forcefully responded to a question from his audience in New Hampshire.

“People that came to this country legally and they worked their ass off…that’s the backbone!” the real estate mogul said on Thursday.

Trump changed up his campaign style during a campaign rally in Exeter, N.H., by taking questions from the audience, rather than only delivering a speech.

A member of the audience from southern California asked Trump about illegal immigrants, specifically saying they do work for much less that U.S. citizens. “Who told you to be here Bernie?” Trump challenged. “I understand your question. “

Then audience member yelled that illegal immigrants are the backbone of this country.

“I don’t think so – they’re not the backbone,” Trump countered. “People that came here and they came here legally. People that came to this country legally and they worked their ass off… that’s the backbone.”