DONALD TRUMP’S proposal to ban all Muslims from entering the United States sparked categorical rebukes from his rivals in the presidential race, from traditionally neutral figures in his own party, and from at least one national conservative Christian leader.

    New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who until lately had refrained from knocking Trump, ridiculed the real estate magnate’s anti-Muslim plan as the “ridiculous” utterance of a man whose reality has been shaped by his years starring in the reality TV show “The Apprentice.”

    In response to the terrorist attack in San Bernardino, California, last week by Islamist militants that killed 14 people, Trump announced Monday that he wanted to see “a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country’s representatives can figure out what is going on.”

    Christie said there was “no question” that Trump’s idea was unconstitutional. More remarkable were the comments from GOP officials in key states who usually stay neutral in presidential primary contests.

    The chairmen of the Republican state parties in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina — the first three states to vote in the primary process — all condemned Trump in the strongest terms.

    The Republican National Committee canceled a planned fundraiser with Trump today night in New York, but did not announce immediately why.

    (SD-Agencies)