GOP chairman ‘dismayed’ by Trump’s attacks against Khan family

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry (R-Texas) joined a growing number of Republicans disavowing Donald Trump’s attacks on the parents of a fallen service member. 

“I am dismayed at the attacks Khizr and Ghazala Khan have endured after they spoke about their son’s service and sacrifice,” Thornberry said in a statement on Monday.  

{mosads}”There is never enough honor we can show to the families of those whose loved ones have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Service to our country is above politics,” he said. 

Khizr Khan’s son, Capt. Humayun Khan, was killed during the Iraq War in 2004.  

During the Democratic National Convention last week, Khan denounced the GOP presidential nominee’s proposed ban on Muslim immigration, asking what Trump had sacrificed for the country. 

Trump countered by criticizing Khan and questioning whether his wife, who was also onstage, was kept from speaking. 

Trump’s attacks have prompted backlash from military families, Democrats and Republican political strategists, as well as some Republican lawmakers. 

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), who was held prisoner during the Vietnam War, issued a statement Monday saying that Trump does not speak for the Republican Party. 

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R), himself a former 2016 presidential contender, on Monday also distanced himself from Trump’s remarks. 

“They’ve earned our respect. I would never — I don’t care what they say, you’ll never hear me question anything about a Gold Star family,” he said, adding that his defense of the Khans was “personal.”

“I’ve gone to too many funerals. I’ve met too many families and it’s just — what they’ve sacrificed is unbelievable,” he said.

Thornberry echoed those sentiments. 

“I believe that each of us are called every day to show our deepest respect and gratitude to all of those who protect our freedom and their families,” Thornberry said.