Trump: Obama "was born in the U.S. Period."

GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump aimed to shut down critics Friday by announcing during a news conference that he believes President Barack Obama was born in the United States.

"President Barack Obama was born in the United States. Period." said Trump. "Now we all want to make America strong and great again."

Trump, who reversed course with the pronouncement, also falsely blamed Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton for starting the birther debate when she ran against Obama in the 2008 Democratic primaries.

"I finished it. You know what I mean?" said Trump, claiming that he pressed Obama to release his birth certificate.

Clinton blasted Trump's statement. She said it was a "disgrace." 

With the Associated Press