Trump defends call to ban Muslims from US following terrorist video

An al-Shabaab recruitment video has prompted Donald Trump to defend his call to ban all Muslims from entering the US.

In an interview with CBS News aired yesterday, Trump – who is currently the Republican presidential candidate frontrunner – said, "Look, there's a problem. I bring it up."

"Other people have called me and say, 'You have the guts bring it up because frankly, it's true but nobody wants to get involved,'" he continued. "Now people are getting involved.

"People that are on different persuasions than me right now... are saying, you know maybe Trump isn't wrong. We want to examine it."

Trump spoke after featuring in a recruitment video by Somali terrorist group al-Shabaab.

The video used a clip of Trump urging the US to ban Muslims from entering the country to suggest that America discriminates against its Islamic population.

Trump's anti-Muslim rhetoric has prompted significant criticism, including from a number of his fellow candidates. Jeb Bush has branded Trump "unhinged" while Lindsey Graham – who in Demcember withdrew from the presidential race – has accused him of being "downright dangerous".

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton last month accused Trump of being ISIS' "best recruiter"

The US needs to ensure "the really discriminatory messages that Trump is sending around the world don't fall on receptive ears," she said during a Democratic debate.

"He is becoming ISIS's best recruiter. They are going out people showing videos of Donald Trump insulting Islam and Muslims in order to recruit more radical jihadists."

CBS' John Dickerson asked Trump on Sunday whether he was concerned about being used as a recruitment tool by al-Shabaab.

"They use other people, too," Trump said.

"What am I going to do? I have to say what I have to say. And you [know] what I have to say? There's a problem. We have to find out what is a problem. And we have to solve that problem."

related articles
The wisdom of Donald Trump... in 11 handy soundbites

The wisdom of Donald Trump... in 11 handy soundbites

Six facts about Islam in the US
Six facts about Islam in the US

Six facts about Islam in the US

GOP debate: Trump in the firing line for \'unhinged\' remarks
GOP debate: Trump in the firing line for 'unhinged' remarks

GOP debate: Trump in the firing line for 'unhinged' remarks

US evangelicals issue powerful pro-refugee call
US evangelicals issue powerful pro-refugee call

US evangelicals issue powerful pro-refugee call

Combating Islamophobia 'fundamental to protect our freedom' – top US attorney

Combating Islamophobia 'fundamental to protect our freedom' – top US attorney

Clinton: Donald Trump is ISIS' best recruiter

Clinton: Donald Trump is ISIS' best recruiter

News
A brief history of Christmas bans
A brief history of Christmas bans

These days, Christmas is hard to miss and nearly impossible to avoid. But at various times it has been banned in different countries, including Britain. This is the story …

Organisers of Christmas evangelistic campaign thrilled with impact
Organisers of Christmas evangelistic campaign thrilled with impact

Organisers of this year's Shine Your Light Christmas evangelistic outreach have been "overwhelmed" by the response from local churches.

Reach out to others, says Salvation Army, as 1.8 million Brits set to spend Christmas Day alone
Reach out to others, says Salvation Army, as 1.8 million Brits set to spend Christmas Day alone

People are being urged to reach out after polling suggested 1.8 million UK adults will spend Christmas Day alone, even though they do not want to.

Another Christmas in hardship for Gaza church
Another Christmas in hardship for Gaza church

For Christians sheltering in the Holy Family parish in Gaza, there will be few comforts this Christmas.