10 Reasons Trump Is the Last Person on Memorial Day You Should Think About
Here are 10 well-documented reasons why Donald Trump’s actions and rhetoric stand in stark contrast to the values Memorial Day is meant to honor—sacrifice, unity, and respect for those who gave everything for democracy:
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1. He reportedly called fallen soldiers “suckers” and “losers.”
Multiple sources, including a report in The Atlantic, indicate that Trump referred to U.S. service members who died in war as “suckers” and “losers” during a 2018 trip to France, where he declined to visit a cemetery for American war dead.
2. He received five draft deferments during the Vietnam War.
Trump avoided military service during the Vietnam War through four educational deferments and one medical deferment for alleged bone spurs. His former lawyer, Michael Cohen, testified that Trump later admitted there was no real medical issue.
3. He used military force to clear peaceful protesters for a photo op.
In June 2020, federal forces used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse peaceful protesters from Lafayette Square, allowing Trump to walk to St. John's Church for a photo opportunity holding a Bible.
4. He threatened to withdraw the U.S. from NATO.
Trump repeatedly criticized NATO allies for not meeting defense spending targets and threatened to withdraw the U.S. from the alliance, undermining a cornerstone of post-WWII international security.
5. He mocked Senator John McCain’s military service.
Trump infamously said of McCain, a Vietnam War POW: “He’s not a war hero. He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured.”
6. He proposed significant cuts to veterans' programs.
Trump's budget proposals included cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs, potentially reducing funding for medical facilities and caregiver programs, which could adversely affect veterans' access to essential services.
7. He downplayed intelligence on Russian bounties for killing U.S. troops.
In 2020, reports surfaced that Russia offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants for killing U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan. Trump dismissed the intelligence as a “hoax” and did not confront Russian President Vladimir Putin about it.
8. He attacked Gold Star families.
After Khizr Khan, the father of a fallen U.S. soldier, criticized Trump at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, Trump responded by attacking Khan's wife, suggesting she wasn't allowed to speak, sparking bipartisan condemnation.
9. He threatened military action against American citizens.
During the 2020 protests against racial injustice, Trump urged governors to “dominate” protesters and threatened to deploy the U.S. military to quell demonstrations, raising concerns about the use of military force against civilians.
10. He attempted to overturn a democratic election.
Following the 2020 presidential election, Trump engaged in efforts to overturn the results, culminating in the January 6 Capitol riot. He was later indicted for his role in attempting to subvert the democratic process.
Memorial Day is a time to honor those who sacrificed their lives for the nation's ideals. Trump's actions and statements often run counter to the principles of service, unity, and respect that the day embodies.
I don’t need 10 reasons.
Well said.