Khizr Khan, the Gold Star father who gained national attention for his criticism of Donald Trump in 2016, has officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president.
In an exclusive interview with NBC News, Khan expressed his support for Harris while reiterating his concerns about Trump's potential impact on American democracy.
Khan, whose son, Army Capt. Humayun Khan was killed in Iraq in 2004 and plans to act as a campaign surrogate for Harris. He emphasized the vice president's unifying qualities and commitment to equal opportunity for all Americans, contrasting them with what he perceives as Trump's divisive approach.
Khan did not mince words when discussing his views on the former president. He expressed fear that Trump could become a dictator if re-elected, potentially ending democracy as Americans know it.
Khan stated:
Trump is undeserving of support [from] America because he is [a] divider. He creates hatred. On the other hand, Kamala Harris, our vice president, is a person who unites the country, who is for equal dignity, who is for equal opportunity for entire America. That is why I stand with Vice President Harris.
The Gold Star father also highlighted what he sees as Trump's exploitation of sensitive issues for political gain, including the grief of Gold Star families who lost loved ones during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The Harris campaign is preparing for potential Republican attacks related to the Biden-Harris administration's handling of the 2021 U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan. This includes addressing criticism from some Gold Star families who lost loved ones during the withdrawal.
When asked about these issues, Khan expressed respect for the Gold Star families but cautioned against second-guessing military leadership decisions. He argued that such debates could be exploited by adversaries and potentially harm national security interests.
Khan also commented on the importance of maintaining a respectful demeanor at national cemeteries, criticizing Trump's recent visit to Arlington National Cemetery, where he was photographed giving a thumbs-up gesture.
The Harris campaign has not remained silent in the face of Republican attacks. Vice President Harris has publicly condemned Trump and his campaign for their actions at Arlington National Cemetery, accusing them of disrespecting sacred ground for political purposes.
Meanwhile, the Trump campaign has continued to criticize Harris and the Biden administration for their handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, particularly focusing on the deaths of U.S. service members during the evacuation.
Several Gold Star families have invited Trump to visit Arlington National Cemetery and have expressed their support for the former president while criticizing the current administration's policies.
Khan's endorsement of Harris adds a powerful voice to the ongoing debate surrounding the 2024 presidential election. His personal experiences as a Gold Star father and his previous confrontations with Trump lend weight to his criticisms of the former president and his support for Vice President Harris. As the campaign progresses, Khan's role as a surrogate for Harris may prove influential in shaping voter perceptions, particularly among military families and those concerned about the future of American democracy.
