Trump insults vets by comparing 'bad shape' Medal of Honor recipients to 'much better' Medal of Freedom
BEDMINSTER, NEW JERSEY: In yet another divisive moment, former president Donald Trump stirred controversy at his Bedminster golf club during an event focused on combating antisemitism.
Trump's comments about Medal of Honor recipients have drawn ire from users across social media, adding to his long history of contentious remarks about those who have served in the US military, as per MeidasTouch News.
Trump: When we gave her the Presidential Medal of Freedom… It’s the equivalent of the Congressional Medal of Honor— it’s actually much better because everyone who gets the Congressional Medal, they’re soldiers. They’re either in very bad shape because they’ve been hit so many… pic.twitter.com/a766KxAC2e
— Acyn (@Acyn) August 16, 2024
Donald Trump insults veterans by comparing Medal of Honor to Medal of Freedom
During the event, Donald Trump spoke about Miriam Adelson, a billionaire megadonor and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
He compared her award to the Congressional Medal of Honor, stating, "When we gave [Trump billionaire megadonor Miriam Adelson] the Presidential Medal of Freedom. That's the highest award you can get as a civilian. It’s the equivalent of the Congressional Medal of Honor, but 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. She gets it and she’s a healthy beautiful woman, it's great." Trump added.
This comparison between the two prestigious awards, particularly the assertion that the Presidential Medal of Freedom is "much better" because its recipients are not in dire physical condition or deceased like many Medal of Honor honorees, has been widely criticized.
This statement is seen as a blatant disregard for the sacrifices made by soldiers who receive the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration for valor.
Trump’s comments on Medal of Honor recipients echo his past remarks about the military.
He has previously been criticized for calling fallen American soldiers "suckers" and "losers" and belittling Senator John McCain’s service, saying, "He’s not a war hero… I like people who weren’t captured."
Moreover, Trump’s past interactions with military honors have often been met with disdain. In a notable instance in 2016, he accepted a Purple Heart from a supporter, commenting, "I always wanted to get the Purple Heart. This was much easier."
This statement was seen as a trivialization of the honor, which is bestowed on those wounded or killed in combat, and was met with widespread condemnation for its insensitivity.
Donald Trump's latest remarks about veterans spark criticism online
In the wake of Donald Trump’s latest remarks about veterans, social media platforms erupted with criticism.
One X user remarked, "This is just as bad as his 'suckers' and 'losers' comment— Trump is just too stupid to realize what he just did right here." Another said, "It’s absolutely an embarrassment. He completely dishonored those wounded and or dead whoever received this honor."
This is just as bad as his “suckers” and “losers” comment— Trump is just too stupid to realize what he just did right here.
— CB— (@ConservBlue2020) August 16, 2024
It’s absolutely an embarrassment. He completely dishonored those wounded and or dead whoever received this honor.
— TrueWordsRSpoken (@TruWordsRSpoken) August 16, 2024
Another wrote, "Trump is a disgusting draft dodger. Not to mention, Eric and Don Junior haven’t been in the military either, but have no problem s***ting all over it." A user stated, "He is getting worse. Trump needs to be put in a home, or prison. Either is good."
Trump is a disgusting draft dodger. Not to mention, Eric and Don Junior haven’t been in the military either, but have no problem shitting all over it. pic.twitter.com/65BM4DCTTm
— Thomas St James (@Thomasstjames3) August 16, 2024
He is getting worse. Trump needs to be put in a home, or prison. Either is good.
— DJ Chocolate Milk (@DJChocolateMLK) August 16, 2024
Another added, "This is one of his most offensive statements of all time and that’s saying quite a lot. What a slap in the face to our veterans."
This is one of his most offensive statements of all time and that’s saying quite a lot. What a slap in the face to our veterans. https://t.co/faQFQ5fMr2
— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) August 16, 2024
A comment read, "Dude is such trash. You absolutely know the 'suckers and losers' line is 100% real after hearing this."
Dude is such trash. You absolutely know the “suckers and losers” line is 100% real after hearing this. https://t.co/Soo5YA3vWS
— FriendlyKozak 🇺🇦 (@KvotheTheArcane) August 16, 2024
Someone else remarked, "Disrespecting the veterans! What a clown."
One individual said, "What an insufferable moron. The Presidential Medal of Freedom has the potential to be used as and has been used by Trump as only a political reward as opposed to the MOH which is a validated recognition of valor, sacrifice and dedication."
What an insufferable moron. The Presidential Medal of Freedom has the potential to be used as and has been used by Trump as only a political reward as opposed to the MOH which is a validated recognition of valor, sacrifice and dedication.
— ESB3612 (@ESB36121) August 16, 2024
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.