US President Donald Trump defended his order to temporarily bar entry to people from seven majority-Muslim nations on Thursday by saying it was crucial to ensure religious freedom and tolerance in America.
Trump, speaking at a prayer breakfast attended by politicians, faith leaders and guests including Jordan's King Abdullah, said he wanted to prevent a "beachhead of intolerance" from spreading in the United States.
"The world is in trouble, but we're going to straighten it out, OK? That's what I do - I fix things," Trump said in his speech.
Trump Says 'Tough Phone Calls' Needed Because 'World Is in Trouble'
Trump added that the world is in trouble, and the United States is being taken advantage of, and that he was having "tough phone calls" as he worked to address issues.
"Believe me, when you hear about the tough phone calls I'm having - don't worry about it. Just don't worry about it," he said.
"We're taken advantage of by every nation in the world virtually. It's not going to happen anymore," he said.
These comments come after Trump's executive order a week ago – which has come under intense criticism at home and abroad– put a 120-day halt on the US refugee program, barred Syrian refugees indefinitely and imposed a 90-day suspension on people from seven predominantly Muslim countries - Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.
The measure, which Trump says is aimed at protecting the country from terrorist attacks, has drawn protests and legal challenges.
(With inputs from Reuters.)
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