President Trump’s new national security adviser doesn't find the term "radical Islamic terrorism" helpful, the New York Times reported on Friday, while the president has insisted on using such language.

Individuals who attended Lt. Gen. H. R. McMaster's first National Security Council meeting on Thursday told the Times that the newly appointed adviser thinks the term is not beneficial because terrorists are “un-Islamic.”



President Trump repeatedly slammed President Obama and Democratic rival Hillary Clinton Hillary Diane Rodham ClintonHillicon Valley: FBI chief says Russia is trying to interfere in election to undermine Biden | Treasury Dept. sanctions Iranian government-backed hackers The Hill's Campaign Report: Arizona shifts towards Biden | Biden prepares for drive-in town hall | New Biden ad targets Latino voters FBI chief says Russia is trying to interfere in election to undermine Biden MORE for avoiding explicitly saying "radical Islamic terrorism." Trump argued that not identifying enemies hinders the fight against terror, while Democrats argue that such words unfairly link Islam with terrorism.

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McMaster was picked to be the next national security adviser after his predecessor, Michael Flynn, resigned due to misinforming White House officials about the contents of his phone call with the Russian ambassador.

Flynn once said fear of Muslims is "rational" and likened the religion to a "cancer." He wrote a book centering on the "global war against radical Islam."

McMaster was also not the first choice to replace Flynn — Trump initially preferred a retired Navy Vice Adm. Robert Harward, who turned the offer down.