Trump: Medal of Freedom is “equivalent to” and “better” than Medal of Honor

Former President Donald Trump sparked immediate controversy on Thursday when he claimed that the Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded to Dr. Miriam Adelson was “equivalent” to, and even “much better” than, the Medal of Honor, which is the nation’s highest military honor for bravery in combat.

Addressing an event at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, focused on combating antisemitism, Trump praised Sheldon Adelson, the late Las Vegas casino magnate and a significant Republican donor, referring to him as “one of the greatest businessmen in the world.” He then drew a comparison between the two prestigious honors, stating, “I watched Sheldon sitting so proud in the White House when we gave Miriam the Presidential Medal of Freedom. That’s the highest award you can get as a civilian. It’s equivalent to the Congressional Medal of Honor, but civilian version.”

He elaborated, pointing out the difference between the two medals: “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 are dead. She gets it, and she’s a healthy, beautiful woman.” His remarks were made in front of a backdrop of American and Israeli flags.

Dr. Miriam Adelson, a physician focusing on addiction and humanitarian work, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Trump in 2018. At the time, the Trump administration praised her efforts in establishing research centers aimed at addressing substance abuse and noted the contributions of the Adelson Medical Research Foundation in combating life-threatening illnesses.

Reaction to Trump’s comments was swift, with GOP Senator JD Vance of Ohio defending the former president’s words. He stated, “This is a guy who loves our veterans and who honors our veterans.” Vance argued that complimenting someone who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in no way diminishes those who have received military honors.

However, many veterans took to social media to voice their outrage, labeling the remarks as “offensive” and “disrespectful.” Trump’s comments regarding the Medal of Honor revived memories of earlier controversies, including his disparaging remarks about the late Senator John McCain, whom Trump criticized for being captured during the Vietnam War. Additionally, he faced backlash for allegedly referring to fallen service members as “losers” and “suckers” after a 2018 incident in Paris, a claim he has denied.

Critics highlighted the significant financial support the Adelson family has contributed to Trump and various GOP initiatives, contrasting this with the extraordinary bravery shown by Medal of Honor recipients, many of whom perform selfless acts of valor, often at the cost of their own lives.

Between 2016 and 2020, the Adelsons donated over $218 million to Republican candidates and causes, including $20 million to Trump’s presidential campaign and $75 million to the Preserve America PAC.

Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder, a Pentagon spokesperson, responded to inquiries about Trump’s remarks, noting that the Defense Department typically refrains from commenting on political campaign statements. However, he emphasized that the department is always grateful for the service and bravery of Medal of Honor recipients, as the award is legally recognized as the nation’s highest military honor for valor.

Matt Zeller, a former Army captain with ties to military operations in Afghanistan, criticized Trump’s comments. “People need to see that this is who Trump is and how he sees those of us who have served in the military,” he said. “He’s been disparaging us for years.” Zeller expressed hope that this recent incident would allow other veterans to recognize Trump’s true character.

The Medal of Honor, established in 1863, is awarded by the president in Congress’s name and represents the highest military award for exceptional gallantry. Only 3,517 service members out of 41 million who have served in the military have received this honor.

In contrast, the Presidential Medal of Freedom was created by President Harry S. Truman in 1945 and is often awarded for various achievements outside the military sphere. As of July 2024, it has been granted 653 times to individuals across multiple fields, including arts, entertainment, and public service.

Recognizing the distinction between these awards, Medal of Honor recipient and retired Army Captain Florent Groberg stated on social media that while he respects the Presidential Medal of Freedom, “it’s not quite comparable to the Medal of Honor, as they are two very different awards with different criteria and significance.”

Retired Army Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Ramos also underscored this distinction, adding that the bravery of individuals like Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe, who was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his heroic actions in Iraq, cannot be equated to civilian awards. Cashe’s extraordinary courage in a combat situation exemplifies the highest ideals of military service.

As the debate continues over Trump’s remarks, it reflects broader concerns about the treatment of military service and the values placed on different honors within American society.

Source: CBS News