Senate

McConnell: Trump’s proposal on Muslims ‘inconsistent with American values’

by Alexander Bolton - 12/08/15 2:26 PM ET

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Tuesday criticized Donald Trump’s proposal to bar Muslims from entering the country, his first outspoken criticism of the GOP presidential front-runner.

McConnell called the proposed ban “completely and totally inconsistent with American values.”

{mosads}The Kentucky Republican noted that if enacted, it would bar allies such as Jordan’s King Abdullah II from visiting the United States.

It would also prevent Afghan President Ashraf Ghani from meeting with the president or congressional leaders in Washington, he added.

When asked whether he would support Trump if he wins the Republican nomination, McConnell said he would “obviously” support the winner of next year’s GOP primary, whoever it is.

Earlier in the day, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who is vying with Trump for the GOP presidential nomination, used milder language in distancing himself from Trump.

Cruz said he did not support the proposal to bar Muslims from entering the country, but stopped short of further condemnation.

Tags Donald Trump Mitch McConnell