Donald Trump to visit Jordan... or not?

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Tuesday denied an Associated Press report that he planned to visit the majority-Muslim kingdom of Jordan at the end of December.

The AP report and Trump's denial came one day after his controversial proposal to temporarily ban all Muslims from entering the United States amid concerns about violent extremism.

Trump tweeted Tuesday, "Despite my great respect for King Abdullah II, I will not be visiting Jordan at this time. This is in response to the false @AP report."

Earlier report:

Leading Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump plans to visit the majority-Muslim kingdom of Jordan at the end of December, The Associated Press has learned. The disclosure came one day after Trump's controversial proposal to temporarily ban all Muslims from entering the United States amid concerns about violent extremism.

It was not immediately clear whether Trump would meet with King Abdullah, but his campaign told US government officials he wants the meeting.

Trump's campaign did not immediately respond to questions about the trip.

The US government was making preparations based on Trump's plans. Trump has Secret Service protection for his safety.

Trump was widely criticised over his proposal this week to prevent all Muslims from visiting the US, although he clarified his idea Tuesday to say that he would allow foreign Muslim leaders to visit.

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