White House: Carson's remarks about Muslims against US constitution

The White House has condemned Republican presidential hopeful Ben Carson over making “offensive” remarks against Muslims, saying voters will punish GOP candidates over such comments. 

In an interview on Sunday, Carson said Muslims are not suitable to become president, arguing their faith Islam - a religion professed by some 3 million Americans - is inconsistent with the US constitution. 

"I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation," the retired neurosurgeon said. "I absolutely would not agree with that."

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said on Monday Carson’s comments are “entirely inconsistent with the Constitution" and the First Amendment, which clearly states that the government cannot make any law "respecting an establishment of religion."

Earnest said voters would punish Republican candidates if they continue to “countenance offensive views all in pursuit of political support.”

“Ultimately, there will be consequences, and those views will be taken into account by voters, not only in the primary, but also the general election,” he told reporters at a daily briefing.

Trump: Many Americans agree with Carson

Frontrunner Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump claimed on Monday night that many people in the United States share Carson’s skepticism toward Muslims.

Trump told Fox News that Islam struggles with extremist ideology.

“You know, Ben was saying there are difficulties,” he said.  “And I think everybody knows what those difficulties are. People want to be politically correct, but there have been difficulties. And a lot of people agree with Ben.”

“You do have a problem with the radical Muslims and the whole thing that’s going on around the world,” the New York billionaire added.

“And, you know, a lot of people don’t want to hear about it. They think it’s not politically correct to say whatever you want to say about it, but the problem exists so we have to talk about it.”

No condemnations from GOP candidates

The White House spokesman pointed out that Republican candidates have not condemned Carson’s “offensive” remarks because they are vying for the same votes.

“It is particularly disappointing to many observers… that we haven’t seen a significant outcry from other candidates in the Republican race,” he said.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations, the largest US Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, has also condemned Carson over his controversial remarks. 

"To me this really means he is not qualified to be president of the United States," said the organization's spokesman, Ibrahim Hooper.

"You cannot hold these kinds of views and at the same time say you will represent all Americans, of all faiths and backgrounds," he stated.

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