Fellow GOP candidates distance themselves from Trump's rhetoric

OAKLAND, Calif. (KTVU) - The backlash is growing, but Donald Trump is not backing down despite concerns that he is dividing the Republican Party and he could cost them the White House.

“It’s not about blowhards out there just saying stuff. That’s not a program, That’s not a plan. This is serious business,” fellow GOP candidate Jeb Bush said on Tuesday after Trump had doubled down on his remarks.

Other Republican presidential candidates blasted Trump for his remarks on a proposal to ban Muslims from entering the U.S. Trump has a knack for lighting a fire under the seat of the most seasoned politicians, but the GOP divide is apparent as fellow candidates distance themselves from Trump.

Trump stood by his controversial statements on Tuesday and added he’s the worst thing to happen to ISIS.

“What was proposed yesterday is not what this party stands for,” said Speaker of the House, Rep. Paul Ryan (R)— Wisconsin. “More importantly it’s not what this country stands for.”

Ryan went on to commend the Muslims who serve in the U.S. military as well as those who serve in the House and work to uphold the U.S. Constitution.

Trump is no stranger to controversial remarks; earlier this year he called Mexicans criminals and rapists, he dismissed Sen. John McCain’s war record and has made comments against women. Each time he’s bounced back, but this time his blunt talk could threaten to rip the Republican Party apart.

Rep. David Jolly (R)— Florida has called for Trump to withdraw from the race.

The White House warned Trump’s rhetoric could damage efforts to build relationships with Muslims needed to fight terrorism.

Trump’s comments undeniably plays with voters who distrust Washington.

One political analyst said he’s got 15 to 20 percent of the GOP base that he's talking to and it's forcing the rest of the field to somewhat talk about his agenda.

On Tuesday, the House showed rare bi-partisanship by overwhelmingly passing a bill 407 to 19 that would tighten the visa waiver program that currently allows travelers from some 38 countries to enter the U.S. without a visa and stay up to 90 days. The bill would require anyone who’s traveled to Syria, Iraq, Iran and Sudan since March 2011 to undergo an interview.

The next GOP debate is set for next Tuesday in Las Vegas.