House leader to Republicans: Trump comments 'not who we are'

Washington: The leader of the U.S. House of Representatives, Speaker Paul Ryan, on Tuesday dismissed Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s comments on Muslims, saying such views are “not what this party stands for and more importantly it’s not what this country stands for.” The Republicans now control the US Congress, more commonly called the US House, which passes laws. [caption id=“attachment_2538058” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Paul Ryan refutes Trump rhetoric/ Reuters[/caption] Speaking to reporters after a closed-door Republican caucus meeting, Ryan addressed Trump’s remarks — without mentioning his name. The speaker said he doesn’t normally comment on the presidential race but was making an exception. “Freedom of religion is a fundamental constitutional principle…This is not conservatism what was proposed yesterday, is not what this party stands for and more importantly it’s not what this country stands for,” Ryan said. The Wisconsin Republican said many Muslims served the country and work in Congress. He said the “vast, vast majority of them are peaceful.” Trump on Monday called for a “total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States” in the wake of attacks at home and abroad. Republican Rep. Matt Salmon of Arizona told reporters that Ryan told the weekly meeting of the House Republicans that Trump’s remarks violate at least two U.S Constitutional amendments. Trump’s proposed ban would apply to immigrants and visitors alike. AP