Donald Trump questions whether John McCain is war hero

By Cox Media Group National Content Desk

AMES, Iowa — It appears that Republican presidential contender Donald Trump isn’t backing down from his verbal attacks on Sen. John McCain.

At the Family Leadership Summit in Iowa Saturday, Trump questioned McCain’s military service record. McCain spent five years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam and suffered permanent injuries.

Trump said that he likes "people who weren't captured" and that "perhaps he's a war hero."

Trump also claimed to not be a fan of the Vietnam War.

At a press conference later, the Associated Press reports that Trump tried to clarify his remarks, saying, "If a person is captured, they're a hero as far as I'm concerned. I don't like the job John McCain is doing in the Senate because he is not taking care of our veterans."

Trump also posted a clarification on his official Twitter account.

"Captured or not, all our soldiers are heroes!" Donald Trump tweeted.

Other Republican presidential candidates were quick to react on social media, lambasting Trump for his comments on McCain.

".@SenJohnMcCain is an American hero & all POW's deserve our nation's highest debt of gratitude. @realDonaldTrump's comments are disgraceful." Rick Perry tweeted.

"John McCain is an American hero. I have nothing but respect for his service to our country." Bobby Jindal tweeted.

"At the heart of @realDonaldTrump statement is a lack of respect for those who served - a disqualifying characteristic to be president." Lindsey Graham tweeted.

"Enough with the slanderous attacks. @SenJohnMcCain and all our veterans - particularly POWs have earned our respect and admiration." Jeb Bush said.

McCain's daughter Meghan also took to Twitter to offer her reaction to Trump's remarks.

"I can't believe what I am reading this morning. Horrified. Disgusted. There are no words," she said.

Cox Media Group