WASHINGTON – US Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has been under continuous fire since he criticized the parents of a Muslim American soldier, Humayun Khan, who died while fighting in Iraq in 2004 – with his fellow Republicans and war veterans groups also joining in the chorus.
According to reports, the families of over 23 slain US soldiers have asked Trump to issue and unconditional apology to the Khan family, calling his remarks against them “repugnant and personally offensive.”
“We feel we must speak out and demand you apologize to the Khans, to all Gold Star families, and to all Americans for your offensive, and frankly, anti-American comments,” the letter read.
Meanwhile, the leaders of America’s largest US war veterans group, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), have also demanded an apology from Trump the same for criticizing “the mother of a fallen soldier.”
“Election year or not, the VFW will not tolerate anyone berating a Gold Star family member for exercising his or her right of speech or expression,” VFW leader Brian Duffy said in a statement.
Republican Vice Presidential hopeful, Mike Pence also contradicted Trump’s stance: “I believe that Captain Humayun Khan is an American hero and he should be cherished by every American.”
Several other Republican leaders also distanced themselves from Trump’s remarks.
“Many Muslim Americans have served valiantly in our military and made the ultimate sacrifice. Captain Khan was one such brave example, His sacrifice – and that of Khizr and Ghazala Khan – should always be honored. Period,” Speaker Paul Ryan said in a statement issued to media.
Last Thursday, Pakistani immigrant Khizr Khan, the father of Captain Humayun Khan, spoke at the Democratic National Convention and said that Trump had “sacrificed nothing” for America.
