President Donald Trump has accused two US senators, John McCain and Lindsey Graham, of trying ‘to start World War III’ after they both criticised him (Trump) for his executive order restricting travel to the US from some Muslim countries.

The United States president signed an executive order recently barring any non-U.S. citizen traveling from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia or Yemen from entering the United States for 90 days.

The two republican senators released a joint statement criticising Trump’s ban on immigration.

The statement read: “Our government has a responsibility to defend our borders, but we must do so in a way that makes us safer and upholds all that is decent and exceptional about our nation.

“It is clear from the confusion at our airports across the nation that President Trump’s executive order was not properly vetted. We are particularly concerned by reports that this order went into effect with little to no consultation with the Departments of State, Defense, Justice, and Homeland Security.

“Such a hasty process risks harmful results. We should not stop green-card holders from returning to the country they call home. We should not stop those who have served as interpreters for our military and diplomats from seeking refuge in the country they risked their lives to help. And we should not turn our backs on those refugees who have been shown through extensive vetting to pose no demonstrable threat to our nation, and who have suffered unspeakable horrors, most of them women and children.

“Ultimately, we fear this executive order will become a self-inflicted wound in the fight against terrorism. At this very moment, American troops are fighting side-by-side with our Iraqi partners to defeat ISIL. But this executive order bans Iraqi pilots from coming to military bases in Arizona to fight our common enemies. Our most important allies in the fight against ISIL are the vast majority of Muslims who reject its apocalyptic ideology of hatred. This executive order sends a signal, intended or not, that America does not want Muslims coming into our country. That is why we fear this executive order may do more to help terrorist recruitment than improve our security.”

Related News

President Trump, however, lambasted the two senators tweeting that: “The joint statement of former presidential candidates John McCain & Lindsey Graham is wrong – they are sadly weak on immigration. The two … Senators should focus their energies on ISIS, illegal immigration and border security instead of always looking to start World War III.”

He also issued a statement defending the new order, saying: “We will continue to show compassion to those fleeing oppression, but we will do while protecting our own citizens and voters.”

“This is not a Muslim ban, as the media is falsely reporting. This is not about religion — this is about terror and keeping our country safe.”

He added that his first priority “will always be to protect and serve our country, but as President I will find ways to help all of those who are suffering.”

Meanwhile, there are fears that Nigerians will no longer be issued with American entry visas which have two-year validity.

This development followed the Executive Order signed on Friday, January 27 by President Donald Trump.