The Veterans of Foreign Wars today blasted Donald Trump’s battle with the Gold Star family of U.S. Army Captain Humayun Khan who died while serving in Iraq.
“Election year or not, the VFW will not tolerate anyone berating a Gold Star family member for exercising his or her right of speech or expression,” said VFW leader Brian Duffy. “There are certain sacrosanct subjects that no amount of wordsmithing can repair once crossed. Giving one’s life to nation is the greatest sacrifice, followed closely by all Gold Star families, who have a right to make their voices heard.”
The 27 year old Captain Khan was killed after he ordered his men to get back as a suicide bomber approached their gate in Iraq. Khan, a Muslim, died defending the freedoms of every man and woman in the United States, and was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.
The VFW and Republicans have responded to a number of controversial comments Trump has made about Khizr and Ghazala Khan, who appeared at the Democratic National Convention. Khizr Khan condemned Trump’s proposal to ban all Muslims from entering the United States. At one point Khan said that Trump had “sacrificed nothing and no one” and questioned if he had read the U.S. Constitution.
Trump has responded with little sympathy for the family, has not acknowledged the bravery of Captain Khan in any interview, and suggested Ghazala Khan should be questioned for not talking at the convention.
Senator John McCain, who Trump said last year is not an American hero because “he got captured,” today offered harsh words for Trump.
“While our Party has bestowed upon him the nomination, it is not accompanied by unfettered license to defame those who are the best among us,” said McCain. “I hope Americans understand that the remarks do not represent the views of our Republican Party, its officers, or candidates.”
McCain also offered praise to the Khan family.
“I’d like to say to Mr. and Mrs. Khan: thank you for immigrating to America,” said McCain. “We’re a better country because of you. And you are certainly right; your son was the best of America, and the memory of his sacrifice will make us a better nation – and he will never be forgotten.”
Ohio Governor John Kasich, who has not endorsed Trump, reacted on twitter:
There’s only one way to talk about Gold Star parents: with honor and respect. Capt. Khan is a hero. Together, we should pray for his family.
— John Kasich (@JohnKasich) July 31, 2016
“Unacceptable doesn’t even begin to describe it,” said Senator Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican. “This is going to a place where we’ve never gone before, to push back against the families of the fallen. There used to be some things that were sacred in American politics — that you don’t do — like criticizing the parents of a fallen soldier even if they criticize you. ”
Senator Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire was more forceful in her response: “I am appalled that Donald Trump would disparage the Khan’s and that he had the gall to compare his own sacrifices to those of a Gold Star family.”
Colorado Rep. Mike Coffman, who served in combat as a Marine, said, “Having served in Iraq, I’m deeply offended when Donald Trump fails to honor the sacrifices of all our brave soldiers who were lost in that war.”
Both Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan have defended the Khan’s, but neither has condemned Trump.
“Captain Khan was an American hero, and like all Americans I’m grateful for the sacrifices that selfless young men like Capt. Khan and their families have made in the war on terror,” said McConnell.
“Many Muslim Americans have served valiantly in our military, and made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Ryan. “Captain Khan was one such brave example. His sacrifice — and that of Khizr and Ghazala Khan — should always be honored. Period.”
Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, who has not endorsed Trump, weighed in on twitter.
This is so incredibly disrespectful of a family that endured the ultimate sacrifice for our country. https://t.co/TQcMuwXTKV
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) July 31, 2016
Bush’s top adviser, Sally Bradshaw, announced today she has left the Republican Party to become an independent, and will vote for Hillary Clinton if the race is close in Florida.
The Bush family has not endorsed Trump, nor has the 2012 Republican nominee Mitt Romney.
Trump today made it clear he is not backing down, or offering any empathy for the Gold Star family.
This story is not about Mr. Khan, who is all over the place doing interviews, but rather RADICAL ISLAMIC TERRORISM and the U.S. Get smart!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 1, 2016
Khizr Khan responded by saying, “This candidate amazes me. His ignorance — he can get up and malign the entire nation, the religions, the communities, the minorities, the judges and yet a private citizen in this political process I cannot say what I feel? That proves the point, he has not read the Constitution of this country. Had he read that, his behavior would be different.”