Trump disputes AP report: I’m not visiting Jordan

by Lisa Hagen - 12/08/15 6:57 PM ET

Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump on Tuesday disputed an Associated Press report that the businessman was planning a trip to Jordan this month.

Trump tweeted Tuesday evening, “Despite my great respect for King Abdullah II, I will not be visiting Jordan at this time. This is in response to the false @AP report.”

Despite my great respect for King Abdullah II, I will not be visiting Jordan at this time. This is in response to the false @AP report.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 9, 2015

{mosads}The news service had reported minutes earlier Tuesday that Trump would visit the majority-Muslim country. It came a day after the candidate called for banning Muslims from coming into the United States until elected leaders can “figure out what is going on.”

The report said Trump would make this visit while traveling to Israel and would have Secret Service accompany him.

Trump’s comments ignited a firestorm, with many of his GOP presidential rivals and leaders within the party distancing themselves from his proposal.

He has also previously called for heightened surveillance of American Muslims and mosques.

Trump maintains his lead in the GOP presidential field, with 29.3 percent support, according to a RealClearPolitics average of national polls.

Updated at 7:26 p.m.

Tags Donald Trump Jordan