(TRUNEWS) President Obama made a visit to a mosque Wednesday to promote Islam.

He gave a speech at the Islamic Society of Baltimore, where he blasted “inexcusable political rhetoric”, calling Muslim-Americans “some of the most respectful and patriotic Americans you’ll ever meet”.  The White House said the visit was to defend religious freedom and make a statement against bigotry, according to BBC.

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Recently, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump called for a ban on Muslims entering the U.S., until the government can “figure out what is going on”. Many experts have testified before Congress, including FBI Director James Comey, about the problems with the process, as reported by TRUNEWS

Obama accused the GOP of trying to play on people’s fears. Instead, the president claimed Islam is a religion of peace, embraced by Thomas Jefferson. He supported his claim by talking about the fact Jefferson owned a Quran

Last week, TRUNEWS reported that Jefferson did not support Islam, and owned a Quran so he could study terrorism.

According to Breitbart, Obama will also speak with Muslim leaders, including Imam Yaseen Saikh, a teacher who preaches against homosexuality, calling it “shameful”.   He preaches at The Islamic Society of Baltimore and has alleged ties to radical groups.