PHOENIX, AZ - JULY 11: Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump addresses supporters during a political rally at the Phoenix Convention Center on July 11, 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona. Trump spoke about illegal immigration and other topics in front of an estimated crowd of 4,200. (Photo by Charlie Leight/Getty Images)
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Trump Says McCain Is Only a War Hero Because He Was Captured, ‘I Like People That Weren’t’
July 18, 2015
"He's said bad things about a lot of people."
Donald Trump did not mince words Saturday afternoon when he blasted Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) — most notably for being heralded as a war hero.
Speaking at the Family Leadership Summit while in Iowa, Trump continued his ongoing feud with the Republican senator by saying the Vietnam veteran is not a real war hero.
"He's a war hero 'cause he was captured," Trump said. "I like people that weren't captured."
PHOENIX, AZ - JULY 11: Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump addresses supporters during a political rally at the Phoenix Convention Center on July 11, 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona. Trump spoke about illegal immigration and other topics in front of an estimated crowd of 4,200. (Photo by Charlie Leight/Getty Images)
"Perhaps he's a war hero, but right now, he's said bad things about a lot of people," he continued.
And at least for now, it doesn't appear Trump has any intentions of backtracking on his view of McCain.
Trump, asked if he'll apologize to McCain: "No."
— Stephen Hayes (@stephenfhayes) July 18, 2015
"I have great respect for all those who serve in our military including those that weren't captured and are also heroes," Trump said in a statement released after his talk. "I want to strengthen our military and take care of our Veterans. I want to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN especially for those that serve to protect our freedom. I am fighting for our Veterans!"
Just left Family Leadership Summit in Iowa, got a standing ovation from many wonderful people. I will be back soon.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 18, 2015
In addition to doing a lousy job in taking care of our Vets, John McCain let us down by losing to Barack Obama in his run for President!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 18, 2015
Captured or not, all our soldiers are heroes!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 18, 2015
Even though Trump says he stands by his remarks, other Republican presidential hopefuls are siding with McCain.
John McCain is an American hero. I have nothing but respect for his service to our country.
— Gov. Bobby Jindal (@BobbyJindal) July 18, 2015
.@SenJohnMcCain is an American hero & all POW's deserve our nation's highest debt of gratitude. @realDonaldTrump's comments are disgraceful.
— Rick Perry (@GovernorPerry) July 18, 2015
.@SenJohnMcCain is an American hero, period.
— Rick Santorum (@RickSantorum) July 18, 2015
As a fellow veteran I respect @SenJohnMcCain because he volunteered to serve his country. I cannot say the same about Mr. @realDonaldTrump.
— Rick Perry (@GovernorPerry) July 18, 2015
Just told a crowd in Sioux City: @SenJohnMcCain is an American hero
— Scott Walker (@ScottWalker) July 18, 2015
After Donald Trump spends six years in a POW camp, he can weigh in on John McCain's service
— Gov. Bobby Jindal (@BobbyJindal) July 18, 2015
Enough with the slanderous attacks. @SenJohnMcCain and all our veterans - particularly POWs have earned our respect and admiration.
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) July 18, 2015
.@SenJohnMcCain, like every other POW, went through hell & has earned our respect & gratitude
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) July 18, 2015
If there was ever any doubt that @realDonaldTrump should not be our commander in chief, this stupid statement should end all doubt.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) July 18, 2015
.@SenJohnMcCain is an American hero, period. I’ll denounce any attack against his service and anyone else who wears the uniform. -SW
— Scott Walker (@ScottWalker) July 18, 2015
Mediaite pointed out that Trump was able to avoid the Vietnam War due to draft deferments.
Trump admitted that he used to like McCain, even backing him financially when he ran for president in 2008. But since he lost, Trump says he hasn't liked him much as he doesn't "like losers."
The real estate mogul vying for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination also didn't miss yet another opportunity to plug his event in Phoenix, Arizona last week and brag about the size of the crowd he drew.
It was that event in Arizona that launched this current feud between the two men as McCain claimed "he fired up the crazies" in his state.
Trump initially shot back by calling McCain a "dummy."
Watch Trump's remarks below, courtesy of Mediaite:
This story has been updated to include Trump's statement.
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