In a recent press conference in New Jersey, former President Trump controversially compared the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the Congressional Medal of Honor, claiming the civilian award is superior. Trump argued that Medal of Honor recipients are often soldiers who are either severely injured or deceased, thereby implying that the civilian award holds greater value.
Vice President Harris’s campaign swiftly criticized Trump’s comments, with spokesperson Sarafina Chitika condemning his remarks as ignorant and disrespectful to service members. Chitika emphasized that Trump’s disparagement of Medal of Honor recipients, along with previous insults toward Gold Star families and prisoners of war, highlights his disregard for those who serve the nation. She asserted that Trump’s actions and words demonstrate why he should not be entrusted with the role of commander in chief.
Trump’s comments on military awards draw criticism from Harris’s campaign for disrespecting service members
The Biden campaign has previously criticized Trump for his disparaging comments about veterans, including a 2018 incident where he allegedly referred to American veterans buried in France as “losers” and “suckers.” Although Trump denied the allegations, his former chief of staff John Kelly confirmed them.
Military service has recently emerged as a contentious issue in the presidential race. Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) has come under fire for questioning the military record of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D), who served in the Army National Guard. Walz defended his service record and criticized Vance’s attempt to undermine it, reflecting the heightened sensitivity surrounding military credentials in the campaign.
