Trump speaks of shutting down mosques in US

E-Paper | June 03, 2026

NEW YORK: While the angry French leader Francios Hollande declared war on Islamic State group (IS) in aftermath of Paris attack, the US Republican front runner Donald Trump wants to begin a battle of his own to gain momentum in his election campaign.

He wants to shutdown mosques in the United States. Trump says he has a plan to counter ‘jihadist’ ideology in America: Tear apart the First Amendment of the American constitution on which this country is founded.

Trump appeared on MS NBC’s Morning Joe, where the panel discussed the French interior minister’s call for the dissolution of extremist-linked mosques in France in the wake of last week’s attacks in Paris, host Joe Scarborough then asked if a Trump administration would consider shutting down mosques in this country.

Published in Dawn, November 18th, 2015

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Deem

Nov 18, 2015 09:55am

What a bigot.. and he is a presidential candidate!!! wow...

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Abbas

Nov 18, 2015 10:05am

I totally disagree with almost all of the ideas proposed by Trump but this is just half of the news as mentioned here. He only proposed to close extremists mosque and not all mosques.

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NoNy

Nov 18, 2015 10:08am

“I would hate to do it but it would be something that you’re going to have strongly consider because some of the ideas, some of the hatred — absolute hatred — is coming from these areas,” what is wrong with this statement ? do not we talk about shutting down seminaries that support extremist ideologies ?

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malika

Nov 18, 2015 10:11am

Mosques with extremist ideology to be banned. Same thing is happening in Pakistan also when NS ordered a crackdown on madarassas teaching extremist ideologies

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Pbuh

Nov 18, 2015 10:11am

Sensible thing.

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khanm

Nov 18, 2015 10:12am

As per American constitution RELIGION has nothing to with the government... Would you please shut down the churches,temples,synagogue any place of worship...i just wonder if Muslim are against non Muslims or are against christian... why there are no similar problem being faced in Canada, China, japan, and rest of the world... why it is always UK, USA, and France...In order to have a political gain he is enticing the American public... wonder what is the difference between him and the extremist....A fascist is one whose lust for money or power is combined with such an intensity of intolerance toward those of other races, parties, classes, religions, cultures, regions or nations as to make him ruthless in his use of deceit or violence to attain his ends.

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Human Soul

Nov 18, 2015 10:12am

will not vote for him in presidential election, that is for sure.

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Aub

Nov 18, 2015 10:13am

Nothing wrong to shut down those mosques which spread hatred.Pakistan is also doing to those madrassas.so what is big in it if US would do it.

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Administrator

Nov 18, 2015 10:15am

Nothing unusual, even Pakistan too is banning madarssa and Mosques which are running illegal activities.

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Mohamad USA

Nov 18, 2015 10:31am

US constitution guarantees freedom of religion as long as the preach is not Anti state.

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Nov 18, 2015 10:34am

@Aub . You do not shut down Mosque but investigate and remove the Imam of the Mosque.

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T. Ramakrishnan

Nov 18, 2015 10:35am

Mosques would not be closed in the United States. Besides the difficulties in passing a constitutional amendment, the diversity in US population would not permit it. For example, when a few years ago, an attempt was made by the Republican Congressman and others to obstruct the building of a mosque in Manhattan in the vicinity of the 9-11 site, the Muslim community got strong support from non-Muslim secular and religious groups. The mosque was built. But if preachers or mosque officials promote violence or criticize non-Muslims and their religions, other laws may be made to take action on them.

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citizen

Nov 18, 2015 10:35am

Shut down any institution spreading hate. Any...

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Farhan

Nov 18, 2015 10:37am

He dont make sense just doing things to gain political grounds

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Shoaib Iqbal

Nov 18, 2015 10:40am

@Aub Mosque is a public place and it is not owned by anyone. It can't be compared to a madrassa.

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Nadeem Behlim

Nov 18, 2015 10:45am

@Human Soul Do you have vote in US

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Farooq shaikh

Nov 18, 2015 11:01am

Trump just want to win the election.

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vishal shah

Nov 18, 2015 11:04am

I think time has come to take action against extremism. Humanity before religion should be a priority.

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SAB

Nov 18, 2015 11:20am

Well, well...in the 21st century every country has its nutcases!

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M.M.Sherazi

Nov 18, 2015 11:22am

A perverted mind with perverted thoughts, sick statement!!!

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Someone

Nov 18, 2015 11:29am

@Farooq shaikh if Trump wins the elections, then it would mean that the American democracy has failed.

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SHK

Nov 18, 2015 11:37am

That's not a solution to the problem , its making things worse.

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Ali Abbas Petiwala

Nov 18, 2015 11:41am

Winning election over religious propaganda its not right way to win Presidential election, but if he wins that would be unfortunate for USA economy and world also.

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Farooq shaikh

Nov 18, 2015 11:43am

Ok Mr president

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Farooq shaikh

Nov 18, 2015 11:47am

@Someone ,my friend same thing happenin in pakistan

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Zubair

Nov 18, 2015 11:51am

Masajids are the places of muslim,s worship, spreading the Light & Love for humanity. How come a sensible person deny this fact. Sources of hate, foolishness and greed are somewhere else which cause problems.

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Farooq shaikh

Nov 18, 2015 11:59am

Any relegion preach hate their places of worship needs to shut down

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Nov 18, 2015 12:00pm

There is no reason to shut down mosques because they are places of worship. The governments should arrest and punish those who use these places of worship as the platform to spread hate against others and to advance their political agendas. Presentation and discussion of political views does not belong in the places of worship and must be outlawed along with hate speeches.

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Akhtar

Nov 18, 2015 12:18pm

He should make clear that it is only a handful of mosques and not all of them. Otherwise he is a fool and not worth Presidential material.

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Aub

Nov 18, 2015 12:24pm

@Shoaib Iqbal US is open society in which every one has right to preach every religion which they follow.but some ill minded people has used this freedom to gain its ill agendas.

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Abdul Karim

Nov 18, 2015 12:26pm

Good to shut down even if show small hate.

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Chirag Patel

Nov 18, 2015 12:29pm

Nice....my vote is for you Mr. President

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Anwar

Nov 18, 2015 12:57pm

Is this United states of America?

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d.rajendran

Nov 18, 2015 01:04pm

Agreed

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KANDHKOTI

Nov 18, 2015 01:30pm

An attempt to lure more voters but at the same time a mistake of losing votes from a strata of American society called Muslims. Though in minority but Muslim votes in America always play a formidable role in elections. Mr. Trump, unfortunately, you are turning Muslim vote bank away from you after that of Mexicans.

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mirza

Nov 18, 2015 01:31pm

Without getting emotional, we should think that why are these guys talking about such extreme measures.

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سے Shaam

Nov 18, 2015 01:32pm

Madrasa is not a Mosque.

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Changez_Khan

Nov 18, 2015 02:06pm

WOW and Trumps wants to be a President.

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Mir Owais Alam

Nov 18, 2015 02:08pm

How intelligent of the Presidential candidate!

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Rashida

Nov 18, 2015 02:27pm

@Chirag Patel , Haha, your vote, which one?

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Skeptic

Nov 18, 2015 02:42pm

And that's reason number 2021 why he should never become the President of the United States.

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Mahmood

Nov 18, 2015 02:48pm

This guy apparently hasn't heard the old adage: "Loose lips. Sink Ships." He's already lost the campaign my opinion.

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Ganesh

Nov 18, 2015 02:58pm

@Someone If Trump wins elections then it does not mean democracy is failed. It simply means there are more people subscribing trump's views in America than those who dont!!!!!!! Its simple !!

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Shoaib Iqbal

Nov 18, 2015 03:01pm

Next time if any terrorist used a bus station, a hospital, a school, close them also.

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Taimoor Khan

Nov 18, 2015 03:16pm

It is the problem related to the weak and self centered leadership of Muslim world which is not nipping in the bud this Islamophobia with aggressive counter narrative. ISIS is just a mercenary force, that real issue is, who is actually behind them. Donald Trumph would be better advised to cut off his country ties with Israel.

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Taimoor Khan

Nov 18, 2015 03:21pm

In the real axis of evil, America-Israel-India, one may argue that only America is perhaps the one which might still have a sane person at helm, that might be about to change. Welcome to the world of nutcases.

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imran

Nov 18, 2015 03:29pm

absolutely ridiculous. if he runs 100 times for President, he will loose each time

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Tariq

Nov 18, 2015 03:34pm

Madness at it peak. Trump if elected is sure make Muslims more happy than ever. Because his suicidal strategy will destroy the vary essence of US formation.

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haris

Nov 18, 2015 03:36pm

Under NAP, the Imams or the administration would be charged for preaching hate. Where does it states the mosque to be shutdown?

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haris

Nov 18, 2015 03:37pm

Thank you Republicans for ridiculing yourselves.

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Pakistani

Nov 18, 2015 03:44pm

@malika. Not all mosques in Pakistan preach hatred my dear fellow. But Trump wants to shut down every mosque in USA.

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khurram

Nov 18, 2015 03:50pm

@Aub how would you distinguish between the two? Who will determine the criteria? only way is to cancel the first amendment and with that all the civil liberties that corporate america wants to be cancelled . Issue is not islam, it is corporate america

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A Ibrahim

Nov 18, 2015 04:14pm

Institutions or places of worship don't spread hatred, individuals do. Get rid of those individuals.

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khanm

Nov 18, 2015 04:15pm

Dear trump... it is not the bullets or guns that kill... it is the crazy people in the head that kills... with the same token it not the religion that kills but some crazy people in the head carry out those heinous crime against humanity... don't bring religious hate for you political gain/ political mileage...

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Adi

Nov 18, 2015 04:28pm

Donald Trump is an American Modi.

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Mahmood

Nov 18, 2015 04:35pm

@Adi And both are from the land, with a long history of slavery and segregation (the U.S), and caste system (India). Except, Modi is product of the same land which gave us Ghandi, who advocated tolerance, equality, peace and non-violence! And yet, Modi was treated as a great hero in NY and London during his recent visits. Show's the misplaced values and priorities of the greedy western governments -- the same governments, who until recently had banned him entry into both the U.S and the U.K. Money is the primary motivator. Everything else is just noise!

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junaid

Nov 18, 2015 04:42pm

What the world has come to. Modi in India did his campaign on anti Muslims/anti Pakistan sentiment and Triump is doing the same in the US. But above all the saddest part is Muslims all over the world are sleeping and do not realize that.

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hyat

Nov 18, 2015 04:45pm

first you have to shut your mouth up, we american muslims will not tolerate you at any cost.

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Attique

Nov 18, 2015 04:50pm

@malika every thing with extreme ideology to be banned. why Mosques and Madrassahs only?

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Ijaz

Nov 18, 2015 04:57pm

Please read carefully what he said: He was asked a specific question in response to the French President wishing to SHUT SOME MOSQUES down i.e those that preach hate. He replied that it would have to be considered. What an earth is wrong with that? He is not saying he would shut all mosques or even some mosques, merely that he would consider shutting some that spew hatred. As a Muslim I commend him for that.

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Aafaaq Ali Khan

Nov 18, 2015 05:02pm

other side of the coin, one side you already have witnessed in shape of Modi (India) @Deem

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lafanga

Nov 18, 2015 05:03pm

How about removing the hate preachers (Muslims and Non Muslim) instead of closing the mosques or churches? Now this would be a practical solution.

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lafanga

Nov 18, 2015 05:06pm

@Chirag Patel Yes go ahead. He is an equal opportunity hater. He does not like Indians taking up American jobs either and has pledged to rectify the situation.

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Administrator

Nov 18, 2015 05:10pm

Religion and politics should be separated. Political speech shouldnt include religion, and religion places should be used for prayers only.

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M Akram

Nov 18, 2015 05:18pm

Until he joined politics, I thought he was a good man, it is my own fault for not knowing as he was a just Mr nobody , but since he has joined the republican presidential candidate race, this guy gives me the creeps, just the thought of him being in office in America would sent the world into meltdown. I mean this man is anti everything - he be so busy fighting his demons that he will not have time to bother the rest of of the world for 5 years. He represent Nasty face of America.

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Arslan

Nov 18, 2015 05:22pm

Define these 'idea of hatred - absolute hatred' Mr Trump, get a law passed and then by all means close any hate preaching places of Christians, Jews, Zionists, Hindus and Muslims. But we know, you will only target Muslims.

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M. Siddique

Nov 18, 2015 05:46pm

@Pbuh, What may seem sensible to you is not feasible under US Constitution and US does not have Shev Sena. Moreover, he is trying to appeal "Hick" votes.

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Nadeem

Nov 18, 2015 08:09pm

American people are not extremists so they wont vote him for these things.

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Momina Masud

Nov 18, 2015 09:06pm

This is totally Ridiculous. He's just trying to do nothing but create more hype. I feel for my brothers n sisters out there. Just a new agenda to get more votes.

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Marghoob Ahmed Siddiqui

Nov 18, 2015 10:25pm

Trump looks like a joker and I don't think any one is taking him serious. He has money and he is wasting it.

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Dr Ayoub Shaikh

Nov 19, 2015 03:49am

Mr Trump Losing 2 Areas 1. Secularism in America 2. Love for America Its really a big loss. it seems as if GOP investing on its Future Losses. Political Parties must be restricted to not make Religion as their Shield in their respective Field.

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Cyrus

Nov 19, 2015 11:30am

Trump doesn't know what he is talking about. He is a TV personality who really doesn't care what he says to get attention. He recently proclaimed he (as US president) is going to make the US military the most powerful in the world. Hmmmm? He knows next to nothing about how the US military is constituted. He would have been a bad officer, and an even worse in the enlisted ranks.

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Joe

Nov 19, 2015 12:31pm

Cant understand whats wrong with his statement ?

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Sudhir Neyalasinger

Nov 19, 2015 05:21pm

@Mahmood He is not contesting an election in Pakistan or in India. He is contesting in the Christian majority United States.

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Azhar jamil

Nov 19, 2015 07:52pm

Where is the leadership of world's most resourceful Islamic states? Are they sleeping? Is there any muslim dare to answer? My dear, mosques are not responsible for these terror linkages.Its a mentality immature

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Iqrar

Nov 19, 2015 07:53pm

@Someone If in the most unlikely event of him being elected he would forget what he is saying now. He is simply a bully and we know when faced with pressure of realities these bullies break.

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Afzal

Nov 19, 2015 08:28pm

@Mahmood Economic recession has pushed the west so much that they no longer care and money seems to have taken priority over any value system, at least for the time being. And they are eyeing on people like Modi who goes round with loose dollars in his pocket with the intent of spending any amount in return for personal glorification.

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Sams

Nov 19, 2015 08:35pm

@Abbas There is no such as extremist mosque,please don't make US as place of hatered.

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Suleman Sahabuddin

Nov 19, 2015 09:35pm

A reform in education system is required. All madrassas has to be replaced by modern schools.

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Kamil Sanaulla

Nov 19, 2015 10:47pm

I am a Muslim living in the USA. I have not heard any hate speech in any of the mosques I went for praying. On Fridays sermons, they never talk about any hatreds towards anybody & I have seen people of other faiths come and listen to the sermon and appreciate the peaceful and friendly atmosphere prevailing there.

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Satyam Vada

Nov 19, 2015 10:58pm

@NH It is important to close the mosque where hate was preached as no one knows how many turned extremist and you don't want to let them continue to gather and plan.

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Deepak Talwar

Nov 20, 2015 12:31am

No need to shut down mosques. However people who spread hate and violence must be made to shut up. No matter which country or which faith they belong to. Please listen to that genius, John Lennon's, song "Imagine All the People. "

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independentthinker

Nov 20, 2015 02:43am

If he becomes the President, Canada will have to entertain American refugees, instead of Syrian refugees!

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Nov 20, 2015 03:47am

me thinks I will definitely vote for trump

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Rafel raman

Nov 20, 2015 03:55am

This is the man; the other is Putin. Close the places that generate venom. and I hope all other States tell Obama he is playing with fire.

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gp65

Nov 20, 2015 04:22am

@Akhtar "He should make clear that it is only a handful of mosques and not all of them. " He actually DID make it clear that he was referring to a handful of mosques spewing venom. This story is flawed and does not quote him fully or in context.

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Nasir

Nov 20, 2015 10:51pm

Wrong decision to ban mosques but can monitor them to check hate speeches by self proclaimed community leaders.

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True

Nov 20, 2015 10:53pm

Why there was no comments when Chinese government forced feed Muslims in Chiba during Ramadan ?

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