Donald Trump has "demonstrated a more measured and inclusive approach" to organizing his administration since winning the presidential election last week, former Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said Friday.
"It is still early — and, obviously, he hasn't even started in office yet," he told Erin Burnett on CNN. "But, at least I'm encouraged that what we're hearing seems to be sober, disciplined and appropriate."
Chertoff, who served under President George W. Bush, voted for Democrat Hillary Clinton after slamming Trump's temperament during the campaign.
He also opposed Trump's plan to ban Muslims from certain countries — and Chertoff said Friday that the president-elect now must speak to Muslims directly to assuage any fears generated during the campaign.
"President Donald Trump is going to have to address the Muslim community," Chertoff said. "And a major part of what we need to do to fight back in the ideology of terror is to enlist the community in helping.
"We've seen over time that most Muslims want to be helpful. They are losing their own sons and daughters to these terrorists.
"I hope the president will make it clear early on that the vast majority of Muslims are loyal to America — and we ought to root out together those others."
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