In a recent exclusive interview with NBC News, Khizr Khan, known for his impassioned criticism of former President Donald Trump during the 2016 Democratic National Convention, announced his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. Khan, whose son was an Army captain killed in Iraq in 2004, expressed concern over Trump’s divisive behavior and authoritarian tendencies, calling him a threat to American democracy. In contrast, Khan praised Harris as a unifying figure committed to equality and dignity for all Americans. He also criticized Trump’s exploitation of Gold Star families for political gain and condemned Trump’s actions at Arlington National Cemetery, where the former president posed for photos with a thumbs-up gesture.
Khan’s endorsement comes as the Harris campaign faces criticism over the 2021 U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan, particularly in the wake of a bombing at the Kabul airport that killed 13 U.S. service members. Republican leaders are expected to release a report condemning the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of the withdrawal, and some Gold Star families have publicly criticized Harris and Biden while praising Trump. Khan urged these families to reconsider their support for Trump, citing the former president’s disrespectful behavior toward veterans and their families.
Despite facing scrutiny over the Afghanistan withdrawal, Khan emphasized the importance of supporting national security and avoiding second-guessing military decisions. He warned against Republican exploitation of the issue and expressed concern that adversaries could benefit from internal divisions within the U.S. He concluded by reaffirming his support for Harris and his belief in her ability to unite the country.
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