Trump signs new vetting measures for immigrants

President Donald Trump signed an executive action Friday implementing “new vetting measures” that he says are aimed at keeping “radical Islamic terrorists” out of the United States.

Trump says, “We don’t want them here.”

The president said he only wants to admit people to the United States who will support the country. His comments echoed his campaign pledge to implement “extreme vetting” programs, particularly for people coming from countries with ties to terrorism.

The president signed the executive action at the Pentagon, where he met with the joint chiefs of staff and participated in a ceremonial swearing-in for Defense Secretary James Mattis.

During the ceremony, Trump called Mattis is a “man of total action.” He said Mattis has devoted his life to serving the country and is a man of honor and devotion.

Trump spoke at the Pentagon after a ceremonial swearing-in for the retired Marine general. Vice President Mike Pence presided over the ceremony.

Mattis says Trump has been clear about his commitment to a strong national defense.

The defense secretary says the men and women serving in the U.S. military have been tested after a decade of war, “our longest war,” in Afghanistan.

Mattis tells Trump he can “count on us all the way.”

In addition, Trump says he is signing an executive action aimed at “rebuilding” the U.S. armed forces.

Speaking Friday at the Pentagon, the president said the action includes plans for new planes, new ships and new resources for the men and women in uniform.