Trump’s History of Insulting the Military

It’s so blatant it’s impossible to ignore. And yet…

Donald Trump at Arlington: Callous Disrespect

When Donald Trump visited Arlington National Cemetery in August 2024, what should have been a respectful moment quickly turned into something unsettling. If you’ve followed Trump’s actions over the years, you might not be surprised by what happened, but it’s still jarring. How does a former president, standing in one of the most sacred places in America, manage to turn a moment of tribute into controversy?

What Went Wrong at Arlington

Trump’s visit to Section 60 at Arlington, where many of America’s most recent war dead are buried, was supposed to be a show of respect. Instead, it became clear that he was more concerned with how the visit would look for him. People there said his actions felt self-centered and out of touch with the seriousness of the place. Things took an even worse turn when he got into a tense situation with grieving families — something that should never happen, especially not at a place like Arlington.

It became clear that he was more concerned with how the visit would look for him.

This wasn’t just a mistake — it fits right in with a pattern of behavior that we’ve seen from Trump for years. It shows how little he respects the values and sacrifices that so many Americans hold dear.

A History of Disrespect

Trump’s behavior at Arlington is just one example of many. Here are some of the worst moments that stand out:

1. Mocking John McCain: Trump once said about Senator John McCain, “He’s a war hero because he was captured. I like people that weren’t captured.” This wasn’t just a thoughtless comment — it showed how little he respects people who have gone through unimaginable hardships.
2. Attacking Gold Star Families: During his 2016 campaign, Trump went after Khizr and Ghazala Khan, the parents of a soldier who died in Iraq. The way he treated this Gold Star family made it clear how little empathy he has for people who’ve lost loved ones in service.
3. Calling Fallen Soldiers “Losers” and “Suckers”: In 2020, reports came out that Trump referred to American soldiers who died in battle as “losers” and “suckers.” Even though he denied it, multiple sources confirmed it, showing just how dismissive he is toward those who gave everything for their country.
4. The Purple Heart Incident: At a rally, Trump accepted a Purple Heart from a veteran and said, “I always wanted to get the Purple Heart. This was much easier.” This comment made light of the serious sacrifices that the award represents.
5. “What Was in It for Them?”: While visiting a cemetery in France, Trump reportedly asked, “What was in it for them?” about the soldiers buried there. This question showed a shocking lack of understanding of what it means to serve selflessly.
6. Dodging Military Service: Trump’s multiple draft deferments during the Vietnam War, including one for bone spurs, have been criticized for years. Later, he referred to his dating life as ‘his own Vietnam,‘ which was not only disrespectful but showed how out of touch he is with the reality of what veterans faced.
7. Insulting Veterans: Over the years, Trump has made a lot of hurtful remarks about veterans, showing little concern for the struggles they face. His policies often reflected this lack of respect, failing to support those who served.
8. Clearing Lafayette Square: Trump’s decision to forcefully clear peaceful protesters, including veterans, from Lafayette Square for a photo-op was another example of him putting his image above the rights and dignity of others.
9. Withholding Military Aid: Trump’s move to withhold military aid to Ukraine in an effort to pressure the country into investigating his political rival was widely criticized and showed how willing he was to use the military for his own gain.
10. Ignoring Russian Bounties: When reports surfaced that Russia had placed bounties on U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan, Trump’s weak response was alarming. It was another sign of how little he seemed to care about the safety of American troops.

A Consistent Disregard for Service and Sacrifice

The Arlington incident is just one more example of Trump’s troubling behavior. His actions and remarks over the years show a clear pattern of disrespect for those who have served and sacrificed for the country. This isn’t just about a few offhand comments — it’s about a mindset that puts his own interests above everything else, including the honor and dignity of our nation’s service members.

As you think about these events, it’s hard not to see the damage caused by a leader who repeatedly showed so little respect for the people who protect the freedoms we all value. Trump’s legacy is marked by these moments of disrespect, leaving a lasting impact on our nation and its values.

The Reality Behind the Rhetoric

Trump frequently boasted about rebuilding the military and taking care of veterans during his presidency. But if you’ve been paying attention, you’ll know that his record doesn’t match his words. Sure, there were increases in defense spending, but a closer look shows that many of his actions didn’t actually improve the lives of service members and veterans.

For example, Trump often talked about securing funding for the military, but much of that spending was geared towards equipment and projects that benefited defense contractors rather than directly improving conditions for those on the front lines. In fact, some of his decisions, like diverting military funds to build the border wall, were highly controversial and criticized by many as being more about his political agenda than about national security.

The Impact on Veterans

Trump often bragged about improving healthcare for veterans, but the reality is different. His push to privatize parts of the VA was met with criticism from many veterans’ groups as it would undermine the quality of care. The handling of the COVID-19 pandemic within the VA was disastrous, with many veterans facing delays and inadequate care during a critical time.

On top of that, Trump’s divisive rhetoric and actions often created an environment of uncertainty and distrust within the military community. His frequent clashes with military leaders and public disparagement of those who disagreed with him eroded morale and trust, which are crucial for the effectiveness of any military organization.

Military Leaders Who Have Criticized Donald Trump

1. General James Mattis (Ret.): Trump’s former Secretary of Defense, General Mattis, resigned in protest and later publicly criticized Trump, particularly after the George Floyd protests. Mattis condemned Trump’s divisive rhetoric and described him as a threat to the Constitution.
2. General John Kelly (Ret.): Serving as Trump’s Chief of Staff, General Kelly later spoke out against Trump’s behavior, especially regarding his comments about military service. Kelly confirmed reports that Trump had called fallen soldiers “losers” and “suckers,” and he expressed deep disappointment in Trump’s leadership.
3. General Mark Milley: As Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Milley publicly apologized for his role in Trump’s controversial photo-op at Lafayette Square, where peaceful protesters were forcibly cleared. Milley stated that he regretted being part of the event and emphasized the importance of keeping the military apolitical.
4. Admiral William McRaven (Ret.): The former Navy SEAL who oversaw the raid that killed Osama bin Laden has been a vocal critic of Trump. McRaven questioned Trump’s leadership and commitment to democratic values, arguing that Trump’s actions were undermining the nation’s strength and unity.

These military leaders’ criticisms are particularly impactful because they come from individuals who have served at the highest levels of the U.S. military. Their disapproval reflects deep concerns about Trump’s respect for military service and his understanding of military values and ethics.

The Long-Term Consequences

Looking back, Trump’s record on the military is marked by contradictions and missed opportunities. While he may have increased defense spending and pushed for certain reforms, his actions often didn’t align with the needs and values of the military community. His legacy includes a mix of hollow rhetoric, controversial decisions, and a series of actions that have left many service members and veterans feeling disillusioned.

As you consider Trump’s military record, it’s clear that his legacy isn’t the strong, unwavering support he often claimed. Instead, it’s a legacy of disrespect, political gamesmanship, and a failure to truly understand or honor the sacrifices made by those who serve. The gap between Trump’s words and his actions is wide, and it’s something that those who care about the military should remember as they reflect on his time in office.