Updated | Trump blasts ‘so-called judge’ over decision to suspend travel ban

US President Donald Trump has insulted and threatened to overturn the ruling of a federal Seattle judge which suspended his ban on travellers from seven predominantly Muslim countries.

In a series of tweets after Friday’s ruling by judge James Robart, Trump wrote: “The opinion of this so-called judge, which essentially takes law enforcement away from our country, is ridiculous and will be overturned!”

“When a country is no longer able to say who can, and who cannot, come in & out, especially for reasons of safety & security – big trouble!”

Trump’s executive order to implement the ban was halted with immediate effect by Judge Robart’s ruling, in which he found that legal challenges launched by the states of Washington and Minnesota, were likely to succeed.

On Saturday morning, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said it would comply with Robart’s order.

“In accordance with the judge’s ruling, DHS has suspended any and all actions implementing the affected sections of the executive order,” acting press secretary Gillian Christensen said. “DHS personnel will resume inspection of travellers in accordance with standard policy and procedure.”

She added that the justice department intends to counter by filing an emergency stay of Trump’s order, calling it “lawful and appropriate”.

Customs officials also told airlines that they could resume boarding previously banned travellers. Within hours, Qatars Airways said it would do so, and was quickly followed by Etihad Airways, Air France, Lufthansa and others.

The White House confirmed late on Friday that it would file an emergency appeal against judge Rodart’s ruling.

"The president's order is intended to protect the homeland and he has the constitutional authority and responsibility to protect the American people," the White House said in a statement.

Trump’s executive order last week brought in a suspension of the US Refugee Admissions Programme for 120 days, as well as an indefinite ban on Syrian refugees, and a 90-day visa suspension for nationals of Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. The order caused chaos at airports across the United States last week, and around 60,000 visas have since been revoked.

While a number of lawsuits have since been filed over Trump’s action, the Washington state lawsuit was the first to test the broad constitutionality of the executive order. Judge James Robart, a George W Bush appointee, explicitly made his ruling apply across the country, while other judges facing similar cases have so far issued orders concerning only specific individuals.

The legal challenge in Seattle was initially filed by Washington state, with Minnesota joining later. Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson lambasted the ban as illegal and unconstitutional, arguing that it discriminates against people on the ground of their religion.