(VOVworld) - A US appeals court on Sunday denied a motion filed by the Justice Department to reinstate President Donald Trump's halted immigration ban on travelers from 7 Muslim majority countries.

A protest against President Donald Trump's ban on travelers from 7 Muslim majority countries in New York on February 4th. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

The motion was filed to the appeals court after a Seattle judge blocked President Trump’s executive order. The court said the Justice Department has until Monday to reply.

The ruling was the biggest blow to President Trump since his inauguration last month. In response, Trump decried the court’s ruling, calling it ridiculous and predicting it will be overturned. Trump’s spokespeople say the executive order is necessary to protect the US. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer called the order legal and sensible.