diff --git a/src/core.js b/src/core.js
index 4949d6bf..2968d8d6 100644
--- a/src/core.js
+++ b/src/core.js
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ var jQuery = function( selector, context ) {
 	rnotwhite = /\S/,
 
 	// Used for trimming whitespace
-	rtrim = /(\s|\u00A0)+|(\s|\u00A0)+$/g,
+	rtrim = /^(\s|\u00A0)+|(\s|\u00A0)+$/g,
 
 	// Match a standalone tag
 	rsingleTag = /^<(\w+)\s*\/?>(?:<\/\1>)?$/,