11:39, 20 MAR 2016 UPDATED 11:40, 20 MAR 2016 BYROSS LOGAN
A group calling itself the Anonymous Patriots said the hacktivist collective's declaration of war on the Republican hopeful was an attack on free speech
A group claiming to be part of Anonymous has released a surprise video coming out in defence of Donald Trump.
A new YouTube post by a group of hacktivists calling themselves the Anonymous Patriots has criticised its own network for declaring "total war" on the real estate mogul and Republican presidential candidate.
Last week Anonymous claimed it had leaked Trump's personal details, including his phone and social security numbers, in a bid to shut down his "hateful" presidential campaign.
But it seems not everyone affiliating themselves with the loose online collective is comfortable with the attack, dubbed Operation Trump.
Using a computerised voice, Anonymous Patriots said: "We are feeling deeply concern over an operation that was launched in our name.
"Some individuals are promoting this operation under the collective banner.
"We, Anonymous, have always been defending freedom of speech.
"We, Anonymous, are warning you about the lies and deceits pushed under our banner.
"People are remaining free to express their own will and consent in a democratic system."
Without expressly supporting Trump's campaign, the video nevertheless explicitly defends his right to free speech.
"Trump has a right to his views," the video says. "Just as important, his supporters have a right to hear him speak.
"Free speech is for everyone, even for those who want to listen to what Trump says."
Trump's seemingly successful campaign to become the Republican party's presidential candidate has been highly controversial.
His extreme views on immigration, race and gender, as well as his stinging personal attacks on rival candidates and journalists, has seen the former Apprentice star dubbed a fascist and a threat to national security.