Trump draws backlash for comments on slain soldier’s father

Donald Trump is facing backlash from both sides of the aisle for attacking Khizr Khan, the father of a Muslim U.S. soldier killed in Iraq who strongly rebuked Trump last week at the Democratic National Convention. 

{mosads}A spokeswoman for Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) Saturday responded to Trump’s comments, reaffirming the Speaker’s distaste for Trump’s rhetoric about Muslims.

“The speaker has made clear many times that he rejects this idea, and himself has talked about how Muslim Americans have made the ultimate sacrifice for this country,” AshLee Strong said in a statement to CBS News.

Trump lashed out at Khan over his moving speech last week at the Democratic convention, doubting whether he prepared his own remarks and firing off questions about his wife, Ghazala Khan, remaining silent on stage.

In responding to Khizr Khan’s comments that Trump has sacrificed nothing for his country, Trump said in an ABC News interview:

“I think I’ve made a lot of sacrifices. I work very, very hard. I’ve created thousands and thousands of jobs, tens of thousands of jobs, built great structures. I’ve had tremendous success. I think I’ve done a lot.”

But some, both from Hillary Clinton’s team and within the GOP, say Trump’s comments are in poor taste. 

The Democratic presidential nominee put out a statement saluting the couple but steering clear of criticizing Trump’s response.

“I was very moved to see Ghazala Khan stand bravely and with dignity in support of her son on Thursday night. And I was very moved to hear her speak last night, bravely and with dignity, about her son’s life and the ultimate sacrifice he made for his country,” she said in a statement, referring to a TV appearance by Ghazala Khan Friday night. 

“This is a time for all Americans to stand with the Khans, and with all the families whose children have died in service to our country. And it is a time to honor the sacrifice of Captain [Humayun] Khan and all the fallen. Captain Khan and his family represent the best of America, and we salute them.”

Others were more direct in their rebuke of Trump, the Republican presidential nominee.

Tim Miller, a former communications director for Jeb Bush’s presidential campaign, called Trump’s comments “inhuman.” 

“Her son is dead. This is inhuman,” he tweeted.  

Her son is dead. This is inhuman. pic.twitter.com/5uTftniMzN

— Tim Miller (@Timodc) July 30, 2016

John Weaver, a Republican strategist for former GOP presidential candidate and Ohio Gov. John Kasich also rebuked Trump, saying he has “no redeeming qualities.”

Trump’s slur against Captain Khan’s mother is, even for him, beyond the pale. He has NO redeeming qualities.

— John Weaver (@JWGOP) July 30, 2016

Kasich himself later tweeted to call for “honor and respect” when talking about “Gold Star parents.”

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

“Trump is truly shameless to attack the family of an American hero. Many thanks to the Khan family for your sacrifice, we stand with you,” tweeted Karen Finney, a senior adviser for Hillary for America. 

“Donald Trump attacks Gold Star mother. Is there nothing sacred?” tweeted John Podesta, chairman of Hillary for America. 

Donald Trump attacks Gold Star mother. Is there nothing sacred? https://t.co/mxbolZe4fA

— John Podesta (@johnpodesta) July 30, 2016

Matt Mackowiak, a Republican strategist and known critic of Trump, in a tweet storm called his comments vile. 

“This should be unnecessary to say, but in public life, any criticism from gold star families is legitimate and deserves to be heard,” Mackowiak tweeted.  

1/ This should be unnecessary to say, but in public life, any criticism from gold star families is legitimate and deserves to be heard.

— Matt Mackowiak (@MattMackowiak) July 30, 2016

6/ The urge to spew an anti-Muslim dog whistle at the Khan family is vile. Subhuman. Evil. It was meant to invalidate the criticism.

— Matt Mackowiak (@MattMackowiak) July 30, 2016