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Trump Under Fire for Comparing Civilian Medal to Military’s Highest Honor, Sparks Outrage Among Veterans
Bedminster, NJ – Former President Donald Trump is once again at the center of controversy for remarks made about military service members. During a recent event at his Bedminster, New Jersey estate, Trump claimed that the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award, is “much better” than the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration. He justified his statement by pointing out that the recipients of the Medal of Honor are often “in very bad shape” or deceased due to their sacrifices.
Trump’s comments have reignited a longstanding debate about his respect for the military. Critics argue that his remarks trivialize the immense bravery and sacrifice of Medal of Honor recipients, many of whom were severely wounded or gave their lives in the line of duty. This is not the first time Trump has made controversial statements about veterans; during his 2016 and 2020 campaigns, he faced significant backlash for disparaging remarks about service members, including Gold Star families and prisoners of war.
At the event, Trump praised Miriam Adelson, who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2018, highlighting her contributions to U.S. national interests and world peace. While discussing the honor, Trump compared it to the Congressional Medal of Honor, suggesting that the civilian version is superior because its recipients are not in dire physical condition or deceased.
“That’s the highest award you can get as a civilian. It’s the equivalent of the Congressional Medal of Honor,” Trump said Thursday. “But [the] civilian version, it’s actually much better because everyone [who] gets the Congressional Medal of Honor, they’re soldiers. They’re either in very bad shape because they’ve been hit so many times by bullets or they’re dead.”
The comments have drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, including Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign, which accused Trump of having no understanding of service. “For him to insult Medal of Honor recipients, just as he has previously attacked Gold Star families and mocked prisoners of war, should remind all Americans that we owe it to our service members to ensure Trump never becomes commander in chief again,” said Harris’ campaign senior spokesperson, Sarafina Chitika.
Progressive veterans’ organization VoteVets also condemned Trump’s remarks, stating that “Donald Trump hates Veterans and their sacrifice because he looks so small in comparison to them.”
Trump’s campaign, however, dismissed the criticism, with senior adviser Brian Hughes accusing the Harris campaign of hypocrisy. Hughes highlighted the Biden administration’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal as evidence of their lack of concern for service members.
Trump’s controversial history with veterans includes his infamous 2015 comments about the late Senator John McCain, where he claimed McCain was “not a war hero” because “I like people who weren’t captured.” In 2020, reports surfaced alleging that Trump had privately referred to fallen service members as “losers” and “suckers,” claims that were later corroborated by John Kelly, Trump’s former White House chief of staff.
As both parties continue to navigate the politically charged environment leading up to the election, Trump’s comments have provided fodder for debate over his suitability as a leader of the armed forces. Meanwhile, his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, a Marine Corps veteran, has attacked Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz’s military service, accusing him of “stolen valor.” Walz, a National Guard veteran, responded with pride in his service, thanking all who have worn the uniform for their sacrifices.
In a heated political climate, Trump’s latest remarks on military honors serve as yet another flashpoint in the ongoing discourse about his relationship with the U.S. armed forces and their legacy.
Source: Politico
