Ex-Trump aide: Lewandowski was fired over attacks on judge

The fallout from Donald Trump’s attacks on a federal judge’s heritage led to the firing of his campaign manager, a former adviser says. 

{mosads}Former Trump adviser Michael Caputo on Thursday said Trump’s racially charged attacks on Judge Gonzalo Curiel led to Corey Lewandowski’s firing earlier this week. 

Caputo was asked on “Kilmeade and Friends” whether the Trump campaign realized the attacks were a mistake.

“I think that we saw it just in the drop in the polls. We saw it in the lack of traction he was getting on his message,” Caputo answered.

“I think that there are a lot of lessons learned all around. I think the leadership change came out of that as well. And you’re going to see a whole different campaign going forward,” Caputo said in the interview, first reported by Buzzfeed News.

Trump cut ties with Lewandowski following a series of meetings between the campaign’s top hands, reportedly after Trump’s children personally raised issues about Lewandowski with her father. 

Lewandowski had jostled for influence with campaign chairman Paul Manafort, whose arrival to the Trump universe provoked immediate reports of tensions between the two.

Lewandowski, who drew controversy earlier in the campaign for grabbing the arm of a female reporter, has said he doesn’t know what led to his firing but has been gracious in interviews following his departure. 

“I don’t know if it’s so much of a surprise. I just want to say how honored I’ve been to be a part of this team,” he told NBC News on Monday.

“I will support Donald Trump in any endeavor he has. If I can play a role in this campaign, either formal or informal, that would be an honor.”

CNN hired Lewandowski Thursday in a salaried position as a political commentator.