This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-us-2016-35923658

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
US election: Trump steps back from Republican support pledge US election: Trump steps back from Republican support pledge
(35 minutes later)
US Republican front-runner Donald Trump has dropped his pledge to support the party candidate if he does not win the nomination for the November election.US Republican front-runner Donald Trump has dropped his pledge to support the party candidate if he does not win the nomination for the November election.
Mr Trump's rivals, Ted Cruz and John Kasich, refused to say outright whether they would unite behind a nominee.Mr Trump's rivals, Ted Cruz and John Kasich, refused to say outright whether they would unite behind a nominee.
All the Republican candidates signed a loyalty pledge last November.All the Republican candidates signed a loyalty pledge last November.
It is the latest sign of friction between Mr Trump and Mr Cruz, who have been embroiled in a dispute involving each other's wives.It is the latest sign of friction between Mr Trump and Mr Cruz, who have been embroiled in a dispute involving each other's wives.
A committee supporting Mr Cruz published a nude photo of Mr Trump's wife Melania from 2000. In retaliation, Mr Trump tweeted an unflattering picture of Mr Cruz's wife Heidi.A committee supporting Mr Cruz published a nude photo of Mr Trump's wife Melania from 2000. In retaliation, Mr Trump tweeted an unflattering picture of Mr Cruz's wife Heidi.
Mr Trump claims he has been "treated very unfairly" by Republican party leaders - some have expressed disquiet or downright opposition to him winning the nomination.Mr Trump claims he has been "treated very unfairly" by Republican party leaders - some have expressed disquiet or downright opposition to him winning the nomination.
To a question about whether he maintained his loyalty pledge from last November, Mr Trump said: "No, I do not any more."To a question about whether he maintained his loyalty pledge from last November, Mr Trump said: "No, I do not any more."
Earlier, when asked the same question, Mr Cruz did not give a direct answer but said: "I am not in the habit of supporting someone who attacks my wife and attacks my family." At the time of the pledge, Trump had said: "I have no intention of changing my mind."
Mr Trump later replied, saying he did not need Mr Cruz's support. "I have tremendous support right now from the people." All three Republicans appeared at a CNN event on Tuesday night in Wisconsin, where voters will pick their presidential nominees next week.
When asked the same question about supporting the eventual nominee, Mr Cruz did not give a direct answer but said: "I am not in the habit of supporting someone who attacks my wife and attacks my family."
Mr Kasich said only that he would "see what happens".
The billionaire has been repeatedly criticised by his rivals and observers for a campaign that has included personal attacks at rivals and criticism and violence against protesters.The billionaire has been repeatedly criticised by his rivals and observers for a campaign that has included personal attacks at rivals and criticism and violence against protesters.
Earlier on Tuesday, Mr Trump's campaign manager Corey Lewandowski was charged with assaulting a journalist at a campaign event.Earlier on Tuesday, Mr Trump's campaign manager Corey Lewandowski was charged with assaulting a journalist at a campaign event.
Police said Mr Lewandowski grabbed former Breitbart reporter Michelle Fields' arm when she tried to ask Mr Trump a question, leaving a bruise.Police said Mr Lewandowski grabbed former Breitbart reporter Michelle Fields' arm when she tried to ask Mr Trump a question, leaving a bruise.
Despite the numerous recent controversies surrounding him, Mr Trump is currently well ahead in the Republican race with 739 delegates to Mr Cruz's 465.Despite the numerous recent controversies surrounding him, Mr Trump is currently well ahead in the Republican race with 739 delegates to Mr Cruz's 465.
Mr Kasich is some way behind with 143, with the 1,237 needed to win the nomination probably out of his reach.Mr Kasich is some way behind with 143, with the 1,237 needed to win the nomination probably out of his reach.
The three candidates have campaigned in Wisconsin ahead of next Tuesday's primary there. In the Democratic race, Bernie Sanders will be hoping in Wisconsin to capitalise on some stunning recent wins to overhaul Hillary Clinton's lead.
More on the Trump campaignMore on the Trump campaign
The 40-year hurt - how Bruce Springsteen articulated the forces that underpin the rise of TrumpThe 40-year hurt - how Bruce Springsteen articulated the forces that underpin the rise of Trump
Trumpisms - 22 things that Trump believesTrumpisms - 22 things that Trump believes
A civil war - Lifelong Republicans turned off by TrumpA civil war - Lifelong Republicans turned off by Trump