Dutch PM Rutte: Trump's entry ban "discriminatory" and "gift to our opponents"

Prime Minister Mark Rutte (VVD) more clearly expressed his rejection of Donald Trump closing the American borders to people from seven Muslim countries. He did so during a parliamentary debate on the entry ban and at the insistence of several other parties. Rutte called the entry ban discriminatory and "a gift to our opponents", according to AD.

"We regret the action taken by the United States. As it is on paper it is discriminatory, we realize that there are risks, that among the group of people are those who plan the wrong things. But this measure is not effective and can be seen as a gift to our opponents. This is exactly the wrong measure." Rutte said.

Rutte added that the entry ban will just lead to more insecurity in the world. "It makes it difficult for the people who fight on the good side of the conflict to stay on that side. It pushes people to the wrong choice."

Today's parliamentary debate was set to be about an upcoming EU Summit, but it was decided to expand the debate so that Trump's entry ban can be discussed. D66 parliamentarian Kees Verhoeven called the ban "pure discrimination". PVV MP Raymond de Roon praised the measure. The VVD said that Trump's measure "went too far", but added that the new president is trying to ease the concerns of his citizens.