"The RNC is in default," Trump said during a news conference here. "When somebody is in default, that means the other side can do what they have to do."

The New York billionaire also criticized Republican Gov. Nikki Nikki Haley, saying she had failed to protect South Carolina from Syrian refugees who could pose a danger to the state and the possibility of Guantanamo prisoners being transferred to the Navy brig outside Charleston.

"A governor has a lot of power people don't realize," Trump said, three miles from the brig. "A governor has a choice."

Haley has sent letters to federal officials voicing her objection to allowing refugees in the state without vetting and protesting any plans to move the Guantanamo prisoners to South Carolina. No decision has been made about moving those prisoners.