Carson pushes back on Trump ban on Muslims

By Al Weaver, Al Weaver

Published December 20, 2015

Ben Carson distanced himself from 2016 rival Donald Trump's Monday statement announcing his plan to bar all Muslims from entering the United States.

The former neurosurgeon's campaign said there should not be a religious litmus test for those entering the country.

"Everyone visiting our country should register and be monitored during their stay as is done in many countries," Carson spokesperson Ying Ma said in an email to the Washington Examiner. "We do not and would not advocate being selective on one's religion."

In the Trump campaign's statement, the real estate mogul called for "a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country's representatives can figure out what is going on." Campaign manager Corey Lewandowski also told the AP that the ban would extend to potential Muslim tourists.