Rand Paul 'disagrees' with Trump's Muslim ban

Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul's presidential campaign said Tuesday he does not agree with Republican front-runner Donald Trump's controversial call to bar Muslims from entering the U.S.

Trump drew condemnation Monday when he advocated for a “total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States" until federal officials can assure the public's safety. The real estate mogul argued that all Muslims should be considered suspect, including refugees, immigrants and even Americans who practice Islam who are currently traveling abroad.

Asked for a reaction, Paul spokesman Sergio Gor bypassed addressing Trump's plan and instead highlighted how Paul had proposed legislation in November to suspend visas for visitors, students and refugees from certain countries with "significant jihadist movements."

"Sen. Rand Paul has led on the issue of border security, proposing real solutions," Gor told The Courier-Journal on Tuesday. "That's why earlier this month he introduced legislation to block visitors and immigrants from nations with known radical elements while a new system is developed to screen properly."

The Paul campaign's muted reaction was in contrast to other GOP presidential candidates who blasted Trump. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush called Trump "unhinged" for proposing a religious test for admittance into the country, South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham said the statement was "downright dangerous," and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie called it "ridiculous."

When asked if Paul condemned Trump's statement, Gor said: "Our focus is on our own solutions, but Sen. Paul disagrees with Trump's proposal."

Paul's measure did not specifically bar Muslims, but it did call for suspending all visas until the Department of Homeland Security certifies immigrants from “high-risk countries” already in the U.S. have been fingerprinted and screened. The hold would continue until enhanced security measures are in place to screen future applicants and a tracking system is put in place to catch those who overstay their visas.

The legislation also would impose a 30-day waiting period for visas from all other countries and subject those individuals to a background check, unless the applicant has been approved through the Global Entry program.

Paul introduced similar legislation in 2013.

Reporter Phillip M. Bailey can be reached at (502) 582-4475 or pbailey@courier-journal.com.