Jan Brewer apologizes, says Donald Trump ‘waterboard’ reference was a metaphor

PHOENIX — Former Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer apologized Tuesday for her use of the term “waterboard” when discussing attacks on Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

“I’m sorry if that offended people, but it was a metaphor,” she told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Mac & Gaydos.

Brewer made the comment over the weekend. She said Trump is being “waterboarded” by his female accusers, and is lamenting the “oppression of Donald Trump from all of these women” accusing him of inappropriate sexual conduct.

The former governor said she saw nothing wrong with the term because people use it in a metaphorical sense.

Nearly a dozen women have publicly accused Trump of unwanted advances or sexual assault in the weeks since a 2005 recording emerged in which the former reality TV star made sexually aggressive remarks about women.

Brewer said she believes Trump when he says he did not inappropriately touch women.

She also clarified comments she made to the Boston Globe, when it appeared Brewer said Hispanics will likely not sway the November election because they don’t vote.

“In history, they just haven’t been out there,” she told Mac & Gaydos, adding that about 42 percent of Hispanic voters actually cast a ballot in 2012.

Brewer said there was no malice behind her words and she was only giving facts, but her words were portrayed oddly. She added that she hopes to see a high voter turnout in two weeks, including Hispanic voters.

“I know they’re working hard to get their vote out and I’m proud of that,” she said. “I am. I think everybody should get out and vote and every vote should be counted.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.