Donald Trump accused Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) of being “all talk, no action” on veterans issues on Saturday as he sought to clarify his dismissive words toward McCain earlier in the day.
“I am not a fan of John McCain because he has done so little for our Veterans and he should know better than anybody what the Veterans need, especially in regards to the VA,” Trump said in a statement released by his campaign.
{mosads}”He is yet another all talk, no action politician who spends too much time on television and not enough time doing his job and helping the Vets,” Trump continued. “He is also allowing our military to decrease substantially in size and strength, somethings which should never be allowed to happen.”
Trump faced immediate criticism Saturday after mocking McCain’s six years as a prisoner during the Vietnam War.
“He was a war hero because he was captured,” Trump sarcastically told host Frank Luntz during the 2015 Family Leadership Summit. “I like people who weren’t captured.”
Trump was swiftly rebuked by the Republican National Committee and several of his fellow 2016 Republican presidential candidates.
Trump said in his statement that McCain has been “extremely disrespectful to the thousands upon thousands of people, many of whom happen to be his constituents, that came out to listen to me speak about illegal immigration by calling them ‘crazies.’
“These were not ‘crazies’ — these were great American citizens,” Trump said.
“I have great respect for all those who serve in our military including those that weren’t captured and are also heroes,” he continued. “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!”
Trump’s statement noted at the end: “Mr. Trump left to a long lasting standing ovation, which will be by far the biggest ovation of the weekend, and much congratulatory praise.”