GOP front-runner Donald Trump says idea for Muslim-tracking database came from reporter
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Donald Trump says he didn't suggest creating a database to track Muslims in America, but instead was answering a question from a reporter about the idea.
In a tweet sent Friday, the Republican presidential front-runner adds that "we must defeat Islamic terrorism" and "have surveillance, including a watch list, to protect America."
On Thursday, Trump told a reporter from NBC News that he would "certainly implement" a database to track Muslims living in the U.S.
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He said Muslims would be signed up at "different places" and added, "It's all about management."
Asked whether registering would be mandatory, Trump responded: "They have to be."
Trump's rival Republican presidential candidates condemned the database idea on Friday, with former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush calling it "abhorrent."