“The failure of Senator Joni Ernst and other Iowa Republicans to condemn these shameful statements is utterly disqualifying and must not stand.”

Following a disturbing report by The Atlantic of President Donald Trump repeatedly disparaging fallen American soldiers and wounded veterans as “losers” and “suckers” and refusing to honor their sacrifice, retired Navy Vice Admiral Michael Franken released the following statement:

“Our Commander-in-Chief must captain our country with integrity and an abiding respect for those who serve and sacrifice. Yet this President prefers to follow in the footsteps of foreign authoritarian leaders than respect our nation. Jeff Goldberg’s article on President Trump’s abhorrent comments is not a surprise. This President has demonstrated a pattern of denigrating our service members, veterans, their families, and even those who make the ultimate sacrifice; witness his attacks on the late Sen. John McCain and his insults of Gold Star families while pardoning convicted war criminals. His callousness and shallowness are dreadful reminders of today’s GOP. The failure of Senator Joni Ernst and other Iowa Republicans to condemn these shameful statements is utterly disqualifying and must not stand.”