BuzzFeed News, a popular news website, in a report said that Powell, who oversaw the State Department during the beginning of George W. Bush's administration, said this in a personal email to journalist Emily Miller on June 17.
In addition to saying that Trump is a "national disgrace" and "an international pariah", Powell said the Republican nominee "is in the process of destroying himself, no need for Dems (Democrats) to attack him. (Speaker of the House) Paul Ryan is calibrating his position again."
"Yup, the whole birther movement was racist. That's what the 99 per cent believe. When Trump couldn't keep that up he said he also wanted to see if the certificate noted that he was a Muslim," Powell wrote according to BuzzFeed.
"I have no further comment. I'm not denying it," Powell told BuzzFeed.
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In another email to CNN anchor Fareed Zakaria in December 2015, warned against giving him too much publicity.
"You guys are playing his game, you are his oxygen. He outraged us again today with his comments on Paris no-go for police districts.I will watch and pick the timing, not respond to the latest outrage," Powell wrote.
Peggy Cifrino, an aide to Powell, told CNN: "The emails are accurate. No further comment at this time."
The emails are notable for their candor about Trump. Powell has not endorsed Trump and has largely sidestepped questions about his thoughts on the controversial Republican nominee.