Trump's comments about U.S. servicemen and women
Donald Trump has faced repeated criticism for his comments regarding U.S. servicemen and women, both during and after his presidency. He has consistently displayed a pattern of disrespect toward service members.
A notable example of Trump’s disdain for servicemen came in 2018, when he reportedly referred to fallen soldiers as “losers” and “suckers” during a visit to the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in France. According to sources from The Atlantic, Trump questioned the purpose of visiting a cemetery filled with Americans who had died in World War I, saying, “Why should I go to that cemetery? It’s filled with losers.” On another occasion during the same trip, he reportedly said, “I don’t get it. What was in it for them?” when referring to the soldiers who gave their lives in the war.
Trump’s attacks on military service didn't stop there. In 2015, during his presidential campaign, he disparaged the late Senator John McCain, a Vietnam War hero who spent more than five years as a prisoner of war (POW) in North Vietnam. During a public event, Trump infamously said, “He’s not a war hero. He’s a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured.” These comments were widely condemned, but Trump refused to apologize, standing by his remarks.
Trump’s disdain also extended to General John Kelly, his former chief of staff. In 2017, during a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, Trump allegedly stood at the gravesite of Kelly’s son, who was killed in action in Afghanistan, and turned to Kelly to ask, “I don’t get it. What’s in it for them?” This comment once again raised concerns about Trump’s lack of understanding and empathy for the sacrifices made by military families.
In another instance in 2016, Trump attacked the Khan family, a Gold Star family whose son, Captain Humayun Khan, was killed in Iraq. After Khizr Khan, the father, gave a powerful speech at the Democratic National Convention, criticizing Trump’s policies and rhetoric, Trump responded with a series of personal attacks. He suggested that Ghazala Khan, Khizr’s wife, was not allowed to speak because of their Muslim faith, and even questioned the significance of their son’s sacrifice.
“Trump: Americans Who Died in War Are ‘Losers’ and ‘Suckers’.” The Atlantic, 2020.
“Trump’s Disparaging Comments About John McCain.” The Guardian, 2015.
“Trump Asked, ‘What’s in It for Them?’ at Arlington Cemetery.” The New York Times, 2018.
“Trump’s Feud with Gold Star Family Draws Condemnation.” The Washington Post, 2016.
