GOP presidential front-runner Donald Trump told CNN Wednesday there would be exemptions to his proposed ban on Muslims and that he would work within the Constitution and with other countries to enforce it.
Trump has been under fire from Democrats and his fellow Republicans after announcing Monday the United States should impose a complete ban on Muslims entering the country until the government can figure out what to do about terrorist infiltrators.
CNN's Don Lemon asked Trump about exceptions for Muslims from other countries such as athletes, diplomats and foreign leaders.
Trump said, "of course" such exemptions would apply.
He also admitted that in the wake of the San Bernardino mass shooting that it is impossible to stop all terror attacks.
Lemon also asked Trump about renewed talk he might run as an independent.
Trump repeated his earlier statements on the subject that he would honor his pledge not to do so if the Republican Party treats him with respect as the front-runner.
"They said they would be honorable. So far, I can't tell you if they are. But the establishment is not exactly being very good to me," Trump said.
Trump pointed out he is still leading in every poll, saying, "It looks like I'm going to win. My whole life has been about winning.
"I'm not like so many of the other people that you talk to that are essentially losers, OK," Trump said. "I know how to win. I intend to win."
Trump admitted it would be harder to win as an independent, but told Lemon he believes he could do it.
"I will beat Hillary," he said. "The one person that Hillary doesn't want to run against – and I know a lot of people inside because I get along with Democrats, with Republicans, with liberals, with everybody – the one person that they don't want to run against is me."
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.