Donald Trump Says He'll Protect Constitution's 'Article XII'

Trump made the remarks to Republicans on Capitol Hill Thursday.

ByABC News
July 8, 2016, 2:31 AM
Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at a rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, July 5, 2016.
Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at a rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, July 5, 2016.
Gerry Broome/AP Photo

— -- For Donald Trump the Constitution is yuge...and a lot bigger than it actually is.

Trump told House Republicans Thursday he will make sure to protect the Constitution if he becomes president -- including a non-existent Article XII.

The presumptive GOP nominee, who was on Capitol Hill Thursday to charm rank-and-file Republicans and build party unity, told members he would be the "best constitutional president ever," according to Rep. Reid Ribble, R-Wisconsin, a Trump skeptic.

Rep. Mark Sanford, R-South Carolina, said Trump promised to protect several articles of the Constitution -- including "Article XII," even though the Constitution has seven articles.

"It was the normal stream of consciousness that's long on hyperbole and short on facts," Sanford told reporters after the meeting.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wisconsin, said the meeting was productive.

“Our members really enjoyed it,” Ryan said. “It’s very clear that he’s working on putting together a strong general election campaign.”

Trump also reportedly told members of Congress golf legend Jack Nicklaus would be attending the Republican National Convention, but Nicklaus' spokesman said that was not accurate.

"Mr. Nicklaus is traveling internationally the next couple weeks, touching down in no fewer than six countries. So I can confidently confirm that the reports are inaccurate and Mr. Nicklaus will not be attending any portion of the RNC," spokesman Scott Tolley said in an email. "[Trump and his campaign staff] have known for quite some time of his travels and prior commitments."