Ryan: Khans should be ‘honored’

House Speaker Paul Ryan said on Sunday that Khizr and Ghazala Khan, the parents of a Muslim soldier killed in Iraq, should be “honored,” a reprimand to Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump who has called the couple out for criticizing him at the Democratic National Convention. 

{mosads}“America’s greatness is built on the principle of liberty and preserved by the men and women who wear the uniform to defend it,” Ryan (R-Wis.) said in a statement on Sunday. “As I have said on numerous occasions, a religious test for entering our country is not reflective of these fundamental values. I reject it.”

“Many Muslim Americans have served valiantly in our military, and made the ultimate sacrifice,” Ryan said. “Captain Khan was one such brave example. His sacrifice—and that of Khizr and Ghazala Khan—should always be honored. Period.”

Ryan did not mention Trump by name in his statement, and the House leader is supporting the businessman’s presidential bid. 

Trump and the Khans have been engaged in a high-profile feud since the couple appeared at the Democratic convention last week to deliver a scathing rebuke of Trump’s rhetoric toward Muslims.