As Donald Trump climbs in the polls, his presidential candidacy has sparked sharp debate among the other Republican White House hopefuls, with some criticizing the business mogul and others applauding him.
Here's a look at comments from announced GOP candidates who are anti-Trump, pro-Trump, or neutral in expressing their views on the outspoken candidate.
The anti-Trump candidates have been most critical of the real estate magnate over his comments about Mexican immigrants during his announcement speech, when he said that Mexico is not sending "their best" people across the border, adding that "they're bringing drugs. They're bringing crime. They're rapists. And some, I assume are good people."
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Pro-Trump:
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz: "I salute Donald Trump for focusing on the need to address illegal immigration," he said, adding that "the Washington cartel supports amnesty" and the media want Republicans to attack one another. "I'm not going to do it," he declared. "When it comes to Donald Trump, I like Donald Trump. I think he's terrific. I think he's brash. I think he speaks the truth. I credit him for focusing on an issue that needs to be focused on."
Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum: “While I don't like the verbiage he's used, I like the fact that he is focused on a very important issue for American workers and particularly, legal immigrants in this country . . . I think Donald points to a very important thing, which is we have a serious problem of illegal immigration in this country that is undermining American workers: by flattening out wages and lowering the standard of living for those in the U.S. legally."
Business executive Carly Fiorina: “[Trump] is hitting on issues that Americans care about . . . I think they are open to someone with experience such as myself who know what it means to get a bureaucracy under control."
Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson: "I welcome Donald Trump,” he said when asked about the real estate mogul participating in the GOP debates. "He’s obviously a man of significant accomplishment, and we have a process whereby a lot of different individuals will have an opportunity to place forth their vision of what America should be."
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Neutral or somewhat neutral:
Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul: He has been noncommittal regarding Trump's candidacy. An attendee at a recent Paul campaign stop in Iowa said the candidate ran away from a question about Trump. The attendee tweeted: "Paul Rand [sic] away from me when I asked if he agreed w/ Donald Trump's racist comments re: Mexicans."
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie: "I think what he said was wrong and I don't think it has any place in the campaign," he said. But, Christie was also quick to say he and Trump have been friends for more than a decade. “I like Donald. He’s a good guy.”
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal: "I don't view people as members of ethnic groups or economic groups. This president has done too much to divide us, so obviously I disagree with [Trump's] comments. I think we need to look at people as individuals."
Anti-Trump:
Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry: "I was offended by his remarks. I've said very clearly that Donald Trump does not represent the Republican Party."
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush: "To make these extraordinarily ugly kinds of comments is not reflective of the Republican Party. Trump is wrong on this." He also said Trump is "doing this to inflame and to incite and to draw attention to his campaign."
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee: "[Trump] made a severe error in saying what he did about Mexican-Americans, and it is unfortunate . . . I would never besmirch all the people who come here."
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Florida Sen. Marco Rubio: "Trump's comments are not just offensive and inaccurate, but also divisive."
Former New York Gov. George Pataki: "I am disappointed he hasn't seen that it was a stupid and wrong comment. I have and I have repudiated it."
South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham: "He's running to be president of all of us. It takes a level of maturity and thoughtfulness and demeanor that's not being exhibited here."