David M Jackson

USA TODAY

In what looks like a reversal, Donald Trump said Friday he would not order the U.S. military to violate international law when it comes to torture and the targeting of terrorist families.

While telling The Wall Street Journal he would “use every legal power that I have to stop these terrorist enemies," Trump added: "I do, however, understand that the United States is bound by laws and treaties and I will not order our military or other officials to violate those laws and will seek their advice on such matters.

"I will not order a military officer to disobey the law. It is clear that as president I will be bound by laws just like all Americans and I will meet those responsibilities," Trump said in a statement to the Journal.

That appears at odds with Trump's statements during a Republican debate on Thursday.

When asked about experts who said the military would have to turn down Trump orders if they involved breaking the law, Trump said: "They won't refuse. They're not going to refuse me. Believe me."

Later, amid a discussion about waterboarding, torture and targeting terrorist families, Trump said: "If I say do it, they're going to do it. That's what leadership is all about."