Priebus Defends Swift Action to Bar Refugees

Priebus Defends Swift Action to Bar Refugees
RNC Chairman Reince Priebus participates in a Politico Playbook breakfast forum, May 6, 2016 in Washington, DC. Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images
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The White House chief of staff says President Donald Trump acted early on in his term to impose a travel ban on refugees to block “people who want to do bad things to America.”

Reince Priebus (ryns PREE'-bus) says there’s nothing to apologize for after Friday’s executive order drew widespread protests. A court order has temporarily barred the U.S. from deporting certain people.

Trump is temporarily barring refugees and citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering the U.S.

Priebus tells NBC’s “Meet the Press” that the action “doesn’t affect green card holders moving forward” — the subject of legal challenges.

Scores were detained Saturday upon arrival at U.S. airports, spurring the judge’s order.

Priebus says officials were using “discretionary authority” to ask “a few more questions” at U.S. airports.

Kellyanne Conway, campaign manager for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, shakes hands during a campaign rally, in Charlotte, N.C., on Oct. 14, 2016. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)
Kellyanne Conway, campaign manager for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, shakes hands during a campaign rally, in Charlotte, N.C., on Oct. 14, 2016. AP Photo/ Evan Vucci