Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich endorsed Sen. John McCain’s re-election campaign Thursday, calling Mr. McCain a “national treasure” and saying he knows how hard the Arizona senator works for veterans.

“I strongly endorse Senator John McCain,” Mr. Gingrich said in a video released by Mr. McCain’s campaign. “A genuine American hero, a man who has endured a great deal for his country, and a man who I work with and watch him provide leadership as Chairman of the Armed Services Committee.”

“I know how hard John works for veterans, for the military, for our national security — and I know that John McCain is a national treasure,” Mr. Gingrich said.

The endorsement from Mr. Gingrich, one of the finalists to be Donald Trump’s vice presidential pick, carries with it an unspoken message to Mr. Trump, who told The Washington Post earlier this week that Mr. McCain hasn’t done enough for veterans and said he hasn’t endorsed him.

Mr. Trump said last summer that Mr. McCain, a prisoner of war in Vietnam, was a hero because he was captured.

Mr. McCain, the GOP’s 2008 presidential nominee, said in a statement he’s “honored” to receive Mr. Gingrich’s endorsement.

“Throughout his career, Newt has been a strong voice for ​conservative principles,” Mr. McCain said. “I appreciate his support and I look forward to campaign ahead.”

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