The Veterans of Foreign Wars criticized Donald Trump for belittling the significance of the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration, by calling a civilian award “much better.” VFW National Commander Al Lipphardt slammed Trump’s comments as “asinine” and stated that they disrespect the sacrifices made by those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. The organization expressed concern over whether a candidate for commander-in-chief who dismisses the valor represented by the Medal of Honor can fulfill the responsibilities of the position with seriousness and discernment. Lipphardt, a U.S. Army veteran, also criticized Trump’s previous controversial remarks towards soldiers and veterans, including denying claims that he disparaged American service members who died in World War I and mocking the late Sen. John McCain.
The criticism from the VFW came after Trump compared the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award, to the Medal of Honor during a campaign event in Bedminster, New Jersey. He praised GOP megadonor Miriam Adelson for receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from him in 2018, stating that it was “much better” than the Medal of Honor. Trump’s comments drew sharp rebuke from the VFW, which emphasized the significance of the military decoration and expressed disappointment in a man who had already served as president making such remarks. The Trump campaign was unavailable for comment in response to the VFW’s statement.
Trump’s history of controversial comments about soldiers and veterans includes denying allegations that he called American service members who died in World War I “suckers” and “losers.” He has also made disparaging remarks about the late Sen. John McCain, both before and after his death in 2018. Trump mocked McCain earlier this year regarding injuries he sustained during his military service and in 2016, asserted that McCain was not a war hero due to being captured. Despite these controversies, Trump’s running mate and Marine veteran, Sen. JD Vance, defended Trump’s remarks about the Medal of Honor, stating that complimenting a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom does not denigrate those who receive military honors.
The VFW’s scathing criticism of Trump’s comments reflects the organization’s commitment to upholding the reverence and significance of the Medal of Honor and honoring the sacrifices made by military personnel. Lipphardt’s statement questioned whether a candidate for president who diminishes the valor symbolized by the Medal of Honor can effectively fulfill the duties of the office. The VFW’s response adds to the ongoing discussion about Trump’s controversial remarks about soldiers and veterans, which have sparked backlash and accusations of disrespect. The organization’s condemnation of Trump’s comparison of the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the Medal of Honor emphasizes the need for dignity and respect when acknowledging the sacrifices made by those who serve in the military.
Despite criticism from the VFW and others, Trump has continued to defend his comments about the Medal of Honor and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. His supporters, including Sen. JD Vance, have maintained that Trump’s remarks were not intended to diminish the significance of military honors. The debate over Trump’s comments highlights the importance of honoring the sacrifices and valor of servicemembers, while also recognizing the distinctions between civilian and military awards. The VFW’s condemnation of Trump’s comparison serves as a reminder of the reverence owed to recipients of the Medal of Honor and the need for dignity and respect in discussions about military service and sacrifice.
