John McCain
Captain, U.S. Navy (Retired) Republican Congress
Summary
War hero and U.S. Senator who criticized Trump, including after Trump's attack on his POW record, and cast the decisive vote against the 2017 Obamacare repeal.
In Their Own Words
Key Statements
“
He's not a war hero. He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren't captured.
Trump remark about McCain at the Family Leadership Summit
“
We are not the president's subordinates. We are his equals.
Excerpt from McCain's memoir released after his death
“
Our relationship has been one of fair and unfair criticism, me of Mr. Trump. But at some point, I thought the presidency would show more respect for the office than he does for himself.
Excerpt from McCain's memoir
Timeline
May 2131
POW in Vietnam
Tortured for 5.5 years as prisoner of war
January 3, 1987
Became U.S. Senator
Entered Senate
2008
Republican presidential nominee
Lost to Barack Obama
July 2015
Trump attacked McCain's military service
Start of public feud
October 2016
Withdrew support for Trump after Access Hollywood tape
Said he'd write in another candidate
July 28, 2017
Cast decisive vote against Obamacare repeal
Thumbs down vote blocked Trump's priority
August 25, 2018
Died from brain cancer
Requested Trump not attend funeral
Why This Matters
Credibility & Background
Positions Held
- U.S. Senator from Arizona (1987-2018)
- U.S. Representative from Arizona (1983-1987)
- Chairman, Senate Armed Services Committee (2015-2018)
- Republican presidential nominee (2008)
Awards & Honors
- Silver Star
- Bronze Star
- Purple Heart
- Distinguished Flying Cross
Analysis
Reasons for Opposition
- 01 Trump attacked McCain's military service and POW status
- 02 Said the president should respect the office and the Constitution
- 03 Warned Congress are not the president's subordinates
Documentation
Sources
News July 18, 2015
Trump: McCain was not a war hero
https://www.cnn.com/2015/07/18/politics/donald-trump-john-mccain-war-hero/index.html
News August 26, 2018
McCain book excerpt: Learn how to respect the office of the presidency
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2018/08/26/mccain-book-learn-how-respect-office-presidency/
Explore the full list of Republican officials, military leaders, and former staff who have spoken out against Trump.