Obama calls Gingrich proposal to deport some US Muslims ‘repugnant’
After Nice attack, former House speaker urged checks on US Muslims, expulsion of those who believe in Sharia law
President Barack Obama strongly condemned a “repugnant” proposal by a top Republican to test every Muslim living in the United States and deport whoever believes in sharia law, following the deadly truck attack in Nice.
“In the wake of last night’s attacks, we’ve heard more suggestions that all Muslims in America be targeted, tested for their beliefs, some deported or jailed,” Obama said, referring to a proposal by former House speaker Newt Gingrich.
“And the very suggestion is repugnant and an affront to everything that we stand for as Americans. We cannot give in to fear or turn on each other or sacrifice our way of life.”
Gingrich on Thursday said on Fox News Channel’s “Hannity” that the US “should frankly test every person here who is of a Muslim background, and if they believe in Sharia, they should be deported. Sharia is incompatible with Western civilization.”
Gingrich was calling the terror attack in Nice, France, which killed at least 80 people, “the fault of Western elites who lack the guts to do what is right, to do what is necessary, and to tell us the truth, and that starts with Barack Obama.”
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump abruptly postponed plans to announce his vice presidential pick following a day of rampant speculation, citing the “horrible attack” in Nice, France, that left scores dead. Before Trump announced his choice on Friday – Indiana Governor Mike Pence – Gingrich was considered a possible candidate for the role.
Trump had planned to hold his first event with his yet-to-be-named running mate Friday morning in New York. He announced the change of plans Thursday evening on Twitter.
“I haven’t made my final, final decision,” Trump said earlier on Fox News Channel. He said that while his running mate selection would “absolutely not” be changed by the France attack, he did not feel it was appropriate to hold a news conference in its aftermath.
In addition to Pence, Trump’s vice presidential shortlist included former House speaker Gingrich and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, according to people familiar with the candidate’s thinking.
Dozens of people were killed late Thursday in the French resort city of Nice when a truck drove onto a sidewalk and plowed through a crowd of Bastille Day revelers who’d gathered to watch fireworks in what the French government confirmed was a terror attack.
Trump told Fox News after the attack that if he’s elected president he would ask Congress for a declaration of war on the Islamic State group.
Democrat Hillary Clinton, also appearing on Fox, said the US needs to “stand strongly” with France and said she would intensify efforts to put together a more effective coalition against terrorism.
“We will not be intimidated,” Clinton said.
The Democratic presidential candidate said the US and France will never let terrorists undermine democratic values. She said the “cowardly attack only strengthens our commitment to our alliance and to defeating terrorism around the world.”
The Times of Israel Community.