Trump’s Controversial Medal Comments

Former President Donald Trump sparked widespread criticism when he suggested that the Presidential Medal of Freedom is “much better” than the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military award. The comments came during an event at his Bedminster, NJ estate, where Trump was honoring Miriam Adelson, the widow of his friend and business mogul Sheldon Adelson.

Trump’s Remarks

While speaking about Miriam Adelson’s receipt of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2018, Trump stated:

“That’s the highest award you can get as a civilian. It’s the equivalent of the Congressional Medal of Honor, but the civilian version. It’s actually much better, because everyone 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 healthy, beautiful woman.”

Criticism

Trump’s remarks drew immediate backlash. The Kamala Harris campaign accused him of “knowing nothing about service to anyone or anything but himself,” while progressive veterans group VoteVets characterized his comments as “hate” towards veterans and their sacrifices.

Trump Campaign’s Response

In an attempt to clarify Trump’s remarks, his campaign spokesperson Brian Hughes issued a statement saying that the former president was referring to the experience of giving the award, not denigrating the Medal of Honor or the actions of servicemembers.

“President Trump was simply saying how it can be an emotionally difficult experience to give the Congressional Medal of Honor to veterans who have been wounded or tragically killed defending our country, as he proudly did when he was Commander in Chief,” Hughes said.

Vance’s Defense

Ohio Sen. JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, also defended the former president, stating that Trump “loves and honors our veterans” and that his comments about the Presidential Medal of Freedom were not intended to disparage military honors.

Trump’s History of Criticizing Servicemembers

Trump’s comments have raised questions about his respect for the military and his earlier controversial remarks about servicemembers. In 2015, he criticized the late Arizona senator and former presidential candidate John McCain, a POW for five years during the Vietnam War, saying, “I like people who weren’t captured.” More recently, The Atlantic reported in 2020 that Trump had called those who died in war “suckers” and “losers,” which he has vehemently denied.

Jewish Vote and Antisemitism

During the event where he made the Medal of Honor comments, Trump also discussed the importance of the Jewish vote. He highlighted his accomplishments, such as the Abraham Accords and withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal, while also making false claims about various Democrats, including Harris.

Trump’s remarks have been criticized for perpetuating the antisemitic trope of dual loyalty, suggesting that American Jews have a divided interest between the U.S. and Israel. He urged Jewish people to “stop” voting for Democrats, stating, “You have to be smart.”

Conclusion

Trump’s comments on the Presidential Medal of Freedom and his history of criticizing servicemembers have raised concerns about his respect for the military. His remarks have also drawn attention to the issue of antisemitism in American politics. The ongoing debate surrounding his statements highlights the importance of respectful dialogue and a nuanced understanding of the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces.