American investor, television personality and Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump, has elicited widespread criticism for attacking Senator John McCain's military record.
Trump said that McCain was only considered a hero because he was a prisoner of war, adding, "I like people who weren't captured," reported the BBC.
The comments prompted a strong wave of criticism across the party. Rival contender Rick Perry termed the remarks a 'new low' in U.S. politics.
Former Florida Governor and Republican presidential hopeful, Jeb Bush, also blasted the business magnate on Twitter saying, "Enough with the slanderous attacks".
Later, Trump softened his stance saying, "If a person is captured, they are a hero as far as I'm concerned." However, he did not apologise.