Minn. Politicians Respond To Trump's Controversial Muslim Remarks
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's recent plan to temporarily ban all Muslims from entering the United States has spurred a lot of negative reaction, including here in Minnesota.
In a statement, Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison said, "Donald Trump should reread the words of our Constitution about religious freedom and tolerance."
Sen. Amy Klobuchar also responded via Twitter:
On Tuesday, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas condemned the remarks, saying in part:
Mr. Trump's hateful proposal to bar Muslims, including American citizens, from entry to the United States based solely on their religion is deeply offensive to us as Jews, unquestionably unconstitutional, and has absolutely no place in American politics.
Minnesota DFL Chairman Ken Martin also shared his response to the comments:
Like many of you, I am shocked and disturbed by Donald Trump's inflammatory and unconstitutional call to close America's borders to all Muslims. The DFL and Minnesota's families know that our communities and economies have always been made stronger my immigrants seeking a better life for their families. Although the Minnesota Republican party chooses not to denounce Trump's race-based fear-mongering, I can no longer remain silent.
Our country has always stood as a beacon for those seeking freedom, liberty, and opportunity. The inscription on the Statue of Liberty proudly proclaims "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses, yearning to be free" words which unfortunately fall on deaf ears in the Republican Party who have found it easier to demonize people than bring people together around our shared values.
Terrorism is a very real threat to our families and the actions being taken by President Obama and our leaders in the Democratic Party are exactly what we need. But when a Republican leader uses this threat to denigrate a well-respected world religion with over 1 billion followers worldwide, it not only gives terrorists the victory they want but it violates the rights and freedoms we hold dear.
I implore Minnesota Republicans to condemn the violent proposals of Donald Trump and the risks they pose to our communities in Minnesota and across the country.
Trump has since defended his plan by comparing it to former President Roosevelt's 1942 executive order that authorized the internment of 110,000 American citizens of Japanese descent.
