Instant Insight

30-Second Take

• Donald Trump’s comments on the military have sparked significant controversy and outrage among veterans and service members.
• Trump, who never served in the military, received multiple deferments during the Vietnam War, including a medical waiver for bone spurs.
• His remarks have included calling American war dead “losers” and “suckers,” and criticizing Senator John McCain for being a prisoner of war.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

Donald Trump’s relationship with the military has been marked by controversy, despite his attempts to present himself as a champion of the U.S. military. Trump did not serve in the military, instead receiving five deferments during the Vietnam War, including one for bone spurs, a condition he claimed affected his heels.

Core Players

• Donald Trump – Former president and 2024 Republican frontrunner
• John McCain – Late Senator and Vietnam War prisoner of war
• Michael Cohen – Trump’s former lawyer who testified about Trump’s draft evasion
• Veterans and service members affected by Trump’s comments

Key Numbers

• 5 – Number of draft deferments Trump received during the Vietnam War
• 1968 – Year Trump graduated from college, leading to his medical deferment
• 2015 – Year Trump criticized John McCain for being a prisoner of war
• 2018 – Year Trump allegedly called American war dead “losers” and “suckers”

Full Depth

Complete Coverage

The Catalyst

Trump’s comments about the military have been a recurring issue, particularly his remarks about veterans and war dead. In 2015, he criticized Senator John McCain, saying, “He’s a war hero because he was captured. I like people that weren’t captured, okay?”

In 2018, Trump allegedly referred to American war dead at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery as “losers” and the 1,800 U.S. Marines who died at Belleau Wood as “suckers.”

Inside Forces

Trump’s lack of military service has been a point of contention. He acknowledged to advisors that he fabricated a medical condition, bone spurs, to avoid military service. His former lawyer, Michael Cohen, testified that Trump said, “I wasn’t going to Vietnam,” and had no medical records to support his deferment.

Trump’s time at the New York Military Academy has been described as superficial and not reflective of actual military service. Classmates have criticized his claims of receiving more military training than actual veterans.

Power Dynamics

The relationship between Trump and the military is complex. Despite his criticism, Trump has managed to secure a significant portion of the veteran vote in his presidential campaigns. However, his comments have alienated many within the military community.

Retired General and former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, among others, have criticized Trump’s remarks. Kelly was involved in a September 2020 investigation by The Atlantic that detailed Trump’s disrespectful comments about the military.

Outside Impact

The public and media have responded critically, with many calling for apologies and condemning the disrespect shown to those who have served.

Future Forces

The ongoing debate surrounding Trump’s comments will likely continue to influence public perception of his leadership and relationship with the military. As the 2024 elections approach, these issues may resurface as critical points of discussion.

Veterans and service members will remain crucial stakeholders, potentially influencing the outcome of the election based on their perceptions of Trump’s respect and support for the military.

Data Points

• July 2015: Trump criticizes John McCain for being a prisoner of war
• November 2018: Trump allegedly calls American war dead “losers” and “suckers”
• September 2020: The Atlantic publishes an investigation detailing Trump’s disrespectful comments about the military
• 2024: Trump’s military comments remain a contentious issue ahead of the presidential election