NBC defends its decision to work with Donald Trump even after it publicly cut ties with him

NBC executives had to explain how the network justified going back on its word to be in business with Donald Trump.

Reporters hounded the programming execs during NBC's opening panel at the Television Critics Association press tour on Wednesday morning in Los Angeles.

The conflict lies in NBC's statement back in June that it was "ending its relationship with Mr. Trump" after he made derogatory statements about Mexican immigrants during the announcement of his presidential run. At the time, he was removed as host of "The Apprentice" and NBC decided not to air his Miss USA pageant.

Then in October, Latino activists and others believed NBC went back on their word when they announced that Trump would host an episode of "Saturday Night Live," a sure ratings winner.

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