Barack Obama has suggested Donald Trump is “unfit” for the presidency as he launched a scathing attack on the Republican nominee.
The president blasted Mr Trump in the wake of a row over Mr Trump’s comments about a Muslim family whose son died while serving with the US army in Iraq.
He challenged Republican leaders to withdraw support for the business tycoon after he criticised Khizr and Ghazala Khan following an appearance at the Democratic National Convention.
Mr Trump questioned whether Mrs Khan did not speak at the event because she was prevented by her faith while he described Mr Khan’s comments as “vicious”.
Mr Obama said: “The notion that he would attack a Gold Star family that had made such extraordinary sacrifices on behalf of our country, the fact that he doesn't appear to have basic knowledge around critical issues in Europe, in the Middle East, in Asia means that he's woefully unprepared to do this job.
His comments come after Mr Trump was criticised by high-profile Republicans including Speaker of the House of Representatives Paul Ryan, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, and one-time Republican presidential nominee John McCain.
However, the men have continued to back the outspoken billionaire.
Mr Obama added: “The question I think that they have to ask themselves is, if you are repeatedly having to say in very strong terms that what he has said is unacceptable, why are you still endorsing him?
"What does this say about your party that this is your standard-bearer?
“There has to come a point at which you say, somebody who makes those kinds of statements doesn't have the judgment, the temperament, the understanding to occupy the most powerful position in the world.”
Mr Trump hit back at the president as he took aim at his White House rival Hillary Clinton.
He said: “Hillary Clinton has proven herself unfit to serve in any government office.”
