Here's an excerpt from one book, with a complete bibliographic citation for people who want to buy it for themselves.

I haven't heard of The Donald retracting any part of these quoted statements. I also have heard of no lawsuits against the author of the book.

From: "Trumped!: The Inside Story of the Real Donald Trump - His Cunning Rise & Spectacular Fall," by John R. O'Donnell, former president, Trump Plaza Hotel & Casino, pages 147-149:

"Our lunch at Trump Tower concluded with a discussion of personnel. Donald brought a unique approach to this as well. "Tell me about Steve Hyde," he said.

Of course, I had nothing but the highest regard for Steve and I told Donald so. "Yeah, that's my man," he quickly added. "I have to tell you," he went on, "I feel real good about the quality of people he's brought in. It's been a real positive for us." Then just as quickly he changed course. "So who do you think is doing a shitty job?" he asked.

I told him no one. But he went down a list of names until we got to a finance employee of Trump Plaza, who happened to be black.

"What do you think of him?" Donald asked.

I said I was familiar with his abilities, and he had shortcomings. "To be honest, I don't think he's the best we can have," I said. "I'd like to see him either come up to speed, where he can help me a lot more, or maybe there's something else he can do."

Instantly, Donald was enthused. "Yeah, I never liked the guy. I don't think he knows what the ##### he's doing. My accountants up in New York are always complaining about him. He's not responsive. And isn't it funny, I've got black accountants at Trump Castle and at Trump Plaza. Black guys counting my money! I hate it. The only kind of people I want counting my money are short guys that wear yarmulkes every day. Those are the kind of people I want counting my money. Nobody else."

I couldn't believe I was hearing this. But Donald went on, "Besides that, I've got to tell you something else. I think that the guy is lazy. And it's probably not his fault because laziness is a trait in blacks. It really is, I believe that. It's not anything they can control.... Don't you agree?" He looked me square in the eye and waited for my reply.

"Donald, you really shouldn't say things like that to me or anybody else," I said. "That is not the kind of image you want to project. We shouldn't even be having this conversation, even if it's the way you feel."

"Yeah, you're right," he said. "If anybody ever heard me say that...holy #####...I'd be in a lot of trouble. But I have to tell you, that's the way I feel."

"Well, I have to tell you, I don't agree with you. We've got people at the Plaza doing good jobs, we've got people doing jobs that are not so good. It's got nothing to do with the color of anybody's skin."

He gave a short chop with his hand, as if to wave away my point of view. "Ah, it's a trait. Anyway I'm glad to hear you're going to get rid of the guy."

I hadn't said that. So I corrected him. "Donald, I'd like to see what the guy can do. Let's just wait and see. If we continue to have problems in the finance area, then yes, maybe he doesn't have the ability, and I'll think about a replacement."

Donald was satisfied with that. But for months afterward he continued to press me to fire the man. Ultimately the executive resigned to pursue other opportunities."

--Singer