House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) on Tuesday called President Trump Donald John TrumpOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Pelosi: Trump hurrying to fill SCOTUS seat so he can repeal ObamaCare Trump mocks Biden appearance, mask use ahead of first debate MORE and his family "the greatest threats to democracy of my lifetime."

Clyburn made the comments to NBC News in response to Trump's latest attacks against the late Sen. John McCain John Sidney McCainCindy McCain endorses Biden: He's only candidate 'who stands up for our values' Biden says Cindy McCain will endorse him Biden's six best bets in 2016 Trump states MORE (R-Ariz.), who Clyburn called a “hero of our United States armed services."

Clyburn also called on Congress "to grow spines."

ADVERTISEMENT

“We are asking for dire consequences. And I think it’s time for the Congress — House and Senate — to grow spines, and do what is necessary to protect this democracy. This man and his family are the greatest threats to democracy of my lifetime,” he told NBC News.

Clyburn's comments come as Trump has railed against McCain in recent days. The president attacked the late senator over the weekend on Twitter amid reports that a former associate of McCain shared a dossier detailing alleged ties between Trump and Russia with the media and former FBI Director James Comey.

Trump then said Tuesday that he "was never a fan of John McCain and never will be."

In the interview with NBC News, Clyburn also called impeachment of Trump a "political concept" but said that House committees investigating Trump should be permitted to "do their work properly."

"They will be able to set the tone for impeachment if that is deserved," he added.