Donald Trump criticises Vietnam War veteran John McCain: 'I like people who weren't captured'

'He's not a war hero — He's a war hero because he was captured'

Presidential candidate Donald Trump is under fire after criticising John McCain’s time as a prisoner in the Vietnam War.

Mr McCain, a US senator from Arizona, criticised Mr Trump this week for his racist comments on Mexican immigrants: "He fired up the crazies."

The reality television star turned politician has surged to the top of national GOP polls in recent weeks. While speaking on Saturday at the Family Leadership Summit in Ames, he responded to Senator McCain.

"He's not a war hero — He's a war hero because he was captured... I like people that weren't captured."

The former naval pilot was taken prisoner by north Vietnamese soldiers where he was held in captivity for nearly six years.

Republican National Committee Chief Strategist and Communications Director Sean Spicer released a statement regarding Donald Trump’s comments:

"Senator McCain is an American hero because he served his country and sacrificed more than most can imagine. Period. There is no place in our party or our country for comments that disparage those who have served honorably.”

Fellow Republicans also issued responses defending the decorated Mr McCain's time spent in Vietnam.

Senator McCain's daughter also issued a response to the comments.