Trump won’t support McCain’s re-election because he doesn’t do enough for vets
Aug 2, 2016, 2:55 PM
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., listens as Republican presidential candidate Lindsey Graham speaks defending McCain's military record during a town hall meeting at the 3 West Club to launch Graham's "No Nukes for Iran" tour Monday, July 20, 2015, in New York. (AP Photo/Kevin Hagen)
(AP Photo/Kevin Hagen)
PHOENIX — Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump will not support Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.)’s re-election bid because he doesn’t do enough for veterans.
The Washington Post reports that Trump said he has not endorsed McCain and thinks the senator could do more to help those who served in the military.
“I’ve never been there with John McCain because I’ve always felt that he should have done a much better job for the vets,” Trump continued. “He has not done a good job for the vets and I’ve always felt that he should have done a much better job for the vets. So I’ve always had a difficult time with John for that reason, because our vets are not being treated properly. They’re not being treated fairly.”
Trump did not specifically say what McCain could do to better support veterans.
Trump has tweeted that he believes McCain — a “dummy” — stands little chance in November, reiterating a stance he’d already taken.
.@SenJohnMcCain should be defeated in the primaries. Graduated last in his class at Annapolis–dummy!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 16, 2015
It is hardly the first time Trump and McCain have butted heads during the campaign cycle.
The ongoing feud was reinvigorated this week after Trump lashed out at the parents of Capt. Humayun Khan, who were critical of Trump during a speech during the Democratic National Convention.
McCain stepped in to defend the Khans, saying “I cannot emphasize enough how deeply I disagree with Mr. Trump’s statements.”
The senator also had the backing of several other GOP figures.
“I hope Americans understand that the remarks do not represent the views of our Republican Party, its officers or candidates … 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,” McCain said.
Last year, Trump questioned McCain’s service record, saying “He’s a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured.”
Since the comment, McCain has been critical of Trump’s campaign, saying the billionaire’s stances could complicate his own re-election bid. However, McCain has said he would support the party’s nominee, even if it is Trump.
