Asked about Trump's remarks, Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said Muslims serve in the US armed forces and that America's war strategy to combat Islamic State hinged on support from Muslim countries.
"Anything that bolsters ISIL's narrative and pits the United States against the Muslim faith is certainly not only contrary to our values but contrary to our national security," Cook told a news briefing, using an acronym for Islamic State.
Cook did not mention Trump by name and said he did not want to wade into domestic political matters. The Pentagon is helping local forces battle Islamic State and other extremists in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan and elsewhere.
US homeland security secretary Jeh Johnson said Trump's proposal could thwart US efforts to connect with the Muslim community, and secretary of State John Kerry said his ideas were not constructive.
Donald Trump's anti-Muslim rhetoric undermines US national security, Pentagon warns - Times of India