Donald Trump is 'physically mocking' John McCain, a disabled former prisoner of war
Republican Senator voted against repealing Obamacare in July
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Donald Trump has reportedly been mimicking the thumbs down motion made by John McCain when he torpedoed Republican attempts to repeal Obamacare.
The US President mocked the way Republican Senator McCain indicated his vote in July, according to a report from Axios.
Mr McCain sustained permanent injuries during his time as a prisoner of war. He is unable to lift his arms above his head, as a result of being shot down, injured and held captive for five years during the Vietnam war.
Mr Trump has also reportedly been mocking Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader in the Senate, imitating his body language by looking lethargic and slumping his shoulders.
Mr Trump has lashed out at Mr McCain repeatedly in rally speeches and on social media, after Congress failed to pass legislation to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.
Earlier this week, the President called Mr McCain’s decision a "tremendous slap in the face of the Republican party" on an Alabama radio programme.
"He was good to go all the way up until 1 or 2 o’clock in the morning when he voted no," he said.
Meghan McCain, Mr McCain’s daughter, criticised Mr Trump’s mocking of her father on Twitter, calling his actions “abhorrent”.
Mr McCain was also recently diagnosed with primary glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer.
Aside from his failure to repeal Obamacare, the President is facing a series of defeats.
Earlier this week, controversial former judge Roy Moore won Alabama’s Republican Primary for US Senate in spite of opposition from Mr Trump.
Mr Trump is also facing criticism for his slow reaction to the humanitarian disaster in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria, which left the island without power.
People turned to social media to point out the President’s lack of empathy, after he tweeted: "Much of the island was destroyed, with billions of dollars owed to Wall Street and the banks which, sadly, must be dealt with."
Mr Trump has since arranged to visit Puerto Rico and assess the damage. He is due to touch down on the island next Tuesday.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments