The Republican nominee initially responded to the infant’s tears by telling the mother not to worry about it – but he later said he had been ‘only kidding’

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

Donald Trump, speaking in Loudon County, Virginia, on Tuesday, could not seem to decide whether he wanted a crying baby in his vicinity.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Donald Trump, center. Photograph: Stacie Scott/AP

“Don’t worry about that baby – I love babies,” the Republican candidate said, to the mother of a baby that had started crying during his stump speech. “I love babies. I hear that baby crying, I like it. What a baby, what a beautiful baby. Don’t worry, don’t worry. The mom’s running around, like, don’t worry about it, you know? It’s young and beautiful and healthy and that’s what we want.”

The audience laughed and clapped politely.

Later, when the baby continued crying, however, Trump was a little rougher.

“Actually, I was only kidding – you can get the baby out of here,” Trump said firmly. “That’s all right, don’t worry. I think she really believed me that I love having a baby crying while I’m speaking. That’s OK. People don’t understand. That’s OK.”