Speaking at The Family Leadership Summit in Ames, Iowa, the reality star and real estate mogul said the 2008 Republican nominee for president is only considered a war hero by some because he was captured.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Saturday said Sen. John McCain, who was captured and held prisoner during the Vietnam War, is "not a war hero."

McCain was captured during the war when his plane was shot down during a combat mission. His torture at the hands of North Vietnam featured repeated savage beatings and rope bindings that left him with limited mobility in his arms.

According to a a 2011 report fromand, Trump received several draft deferments in the 1960s and did not serve in the Vietnam War.

.@SenJohnMcCain is an American hero & all POW's deserve our nation's highest debt of gratitude. @realDonaldTrump's comments are disgraceful.

John McCain is an American hero. I have nothing but respect for his service to our country.

Just told a crowd in Sioux City: @SenJohnMcCain is an American hero

At the heart of @realDonaldTrump statement is a lack of respect for those who have served - a disqualifying characteristic to be president

Enough with the slanderous attacks. @SenJohnMcCain and all our veterans - particularly POWs have earned our respect and admiration.

The difference between @SenJohnMcCain and @realDonaldTrump: Trump shot himself down. McCain and American veterans are true heroes.

Mitt Romney, the 2012 Republican nominee for president, said Trump had "shot himself down" with his comments.

I can't believe what I am reading this morning. Horrified. Disgusted. There are no words.

The senator's daughter, Meghan McCain, said she was "horrified" by the comments.

Republican National Committee Chief Strategist and Communications Director Sean Spicer also released a statement on Trump's comments:

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