Veterans of Foreign Wars Denounces Trump’s Statement as ‘Asinine’

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), a prominent organization advocating for veterans’ rights, voiced strong disapproval of former President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about the Medal of Honor. The VFW labeled his statements as “asinine,” arguing that they undermine the significance of the nation’s highest award for valor.

VFW National Commander Al Lipphardt expressed his concerns in a statement released on Friday. He criticized Trump for trivializing the sacrifices made by those who have served in the military. “These asinine comments not only diminish the significance of our nation’s highest award for valor, but also crassly characterized the sacrifices of those who have risked their lives above and beyond the call of duty,” Lipphardt stated.

Trump’s comments were made during an event at his Bedminster, New Jersey club, where he compared the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is awarded to civilians, to the Medal of Honor, given to military personnel who have been wounded in combat. “That’s the highest award you can get as a civilian. It’s the equivalent of the Congressional Medal of Honor, but civilian version,” Trump noted, while addressing a GOP donor who received the Medal of Freedom in 2018.

He further remarked, “It’s actually much better, because everyone who gets the Congressional Medal of Honor… 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.” This triggered significant backlash from veteran advocates who felt the analogy was inappropriate.

This incident is not the first time Trump has faced criticism regarding his views on veterans. In 2020, the VFW called for an apology after he downplayed injuries experienced by service members following Iranian airstrikes, dismissively stating that they merely had “headaches.” The VFW remarked at that time that traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious condition that should not be taken lightly, demanding recognition of the gravity of such instances.

In response to the backlash surrounding Trump’s recent comments, his campaign team remained firm in defending him. Corey Lewandowski, a senior advisor for Trump’s campaign, appeared on NewsNation and reiterated the former president’s view. When asked if Trump was standing by his comparison, Lewandowski asserted, “Because there are some people who don’t serve in our military but should still be recognized with the highest honor our country has to offer them.”

The controversy has arisen amid a heightened scrutiny on military service, particularly as Republicans have sought to question the service record of Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Governor Tim Walz, suggesting that inconsistencies in his statements equal stolen valor. Governor Walz is a veteran who served as an enlisted Army National Guardsman, while Republican VP candidate Senator JD Vance has experience as a Marine during the Iraq War.

After Kamala Harris announced her candidacy for the vice presidency, Lipphardt praised both presidential campaigns for including veterans in their platforms. However, confidence in the Republican side appears to be waning, particularly following Trump’s recent remarks.

Lipphardt concluded his statement with pointed criticism of Trump, questioning the former president’s ability to handle the responsibilities that come with being Commander-in-Chief. “When a candidate to serve as commander-in-chief so brazenly dismisses the valor and reverence symbolized by the Medal of Honor, I question whether they would discharge their responsibilities with the seriousness and discernment necessary,” he stated. He further expressed disappointment over comments made by someone who has previously held the highest office and should understand the significance of such awards.

As discussions about military service and recognition continue to evolve during the election cycle, the VFW’s strong reaction highlights the importance of honoring and respecting the sacrifices of service members.

Source: The Hill