- Trump’s NY Military Academy days showed dismissiveness towards military traditions.
- Concerns over Trump’s unease with wounded veterans were evident.
- He clashed with military figures, notably Senator John McCain.
- Trump’s military leadership drew parallels to “mob boss” tendencies.
- He ramped up defense spending but was skeptical of U.S. military actions.
Donald Trump’s multifaceted relationship with the military has been a topic of discussion throughout his public life. Revelations from his past, particularly from those who knew him during his time at the New York Military Academy in 1964, indicate a dismissive stance towards military traditions and discipline (Foreign Policy). Contributing to this perception, some of his former peers, like George M. White, recall Trump showing a lack of reverence for military values during their formative years (Foreign Policy).
However, this early indifference appeared to be more than just a youthful perspective. Trump’s tenure was punctuated with incidents that raised eyebrows. For instance, his handling of wounded and injured service members has been questionable at best. There were accounts suggesting his discomfort around veterans with severe injuries, raising questions about his genuine respect for their sacrifices (Newsweek).
The reported incidents from his presidential years are not isolated. Stories have emerged which suggest that Trump had a penchant for making divisive remarks about the military. He is said to have had a strained relationship with military heroes, with the long-standing public tiff with the late Senator John McCain serving as a notable example (Huffington Post).
Beyond individual veterans, there’s also scrutiny over Trump’s broader understanding of the military’s role and function. Some experts and commentators likened his leadership style in military matters to that of a transactional leader, drawing unconventional parallels between his approach to military leadership and more business-like or even “mob boss” tendencies (Raw Story).
In terms of policy, Trump’s actions presented a mixed bag. While he did ramp up defense spending, signaling a possible commitment to military readiness and strength, his vocal skepticism about various U.S. military engagements abroad hinted at a more isolationist stance (Foreign Policy).
Piecing together insights from various sources, a composite image emerges of Trump’s relationship with the military: a blend of strategic decisions, personal biases, and at times, a seeming detachment from traditional military values.
Trump Has Mocked the U.S. Military His Whole Life
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Former classmates from Donald Trump's 1964 year at the New York Military Academy remember his dismissive attitude toward military traditions and discipline. Peers, like George M. White, emphasize Trump's lack of reverence for military values during their school years. Despite increased defense spending during his presidency, Trump has shown skepticism about various U.S. military involvements abroad, hinting at a more isolationist viewpoint.
LEFT BIAS FACTUAL REPORTING: MIXED
Trump's Reported Disgust With Wounded Veteran Sparks Fury: 'Pure Scum'
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Former President Donald Trump's alleged distaste for wounded veterans is under scrutiny once again. A recent article in The Atlantic highlights an incident where Trump reportedly expressed disgust at the inclusion of a severely injured Army captain, Luis Avila, at an official event. Avila, a war hero, was paralyzed due to an IED detonation and had numerous subsequent health issues. Trump's comment, made within earshot of several attendees, questioned the decision to have such veterans present, suggesting "no one wants to see that." This is not the first instance of Trump's controversial remarks about the military; past incidents include derogatory comments about late Senator John McCain and disdainful remarks about fallen soldiers. Trump has yet to comment on the recent allegations.
LEFT BIAS FACTUAL REPORTING: MOSTLY FACTUAL
'Enormous peril': 4-star Army general warns of Trump's 'Mafia-like' view of military
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Retired four-star Gen. Barry McCaffrey, during an appearance on MSNBC's "Deadline: White House," compared former President Donald Trump's approach to the U.S. military to that of a mob boss. This perspective emerged after an article from The Atlantic detailed the challenges Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley and other military and intelligence officials faced in containing Trump's erratic tendencies during his tenure. The report highlighted an instance where Trump intervened in military justice cases, including reversing the Navy's decision to demote Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher, who was found guilty of posing with a deceased Islamic State prisoner's corpse. McCaffrey stressed the constitutional delineation between the roles of civilian leaders like the president and military advisors, emphasizing the potential dangers when a president misinterprets these boundaries.
LEFT BIAS FACTUAL REPORTING: HIGH
Trump’s 'Repugnant' Demand For Wounded Veterans Revealed In Gen. Mark Milley Profile
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During a 2019 welcome ceremony for Gen. Mark Milley as the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, former President Donald Trump questioned the presence of a wounded veteran, U.S. Army Capt. Luis Avila, who performed "God Bless America." Avila had lost a leg while serving in Afghanistan. Trump reportedly commented to Milley, “Why do you bring people like that here? No one wants to see that, the wounded.” This insensitive attitude towards veterans was noted as being consistent with Trump's past remarks, such as describing fallen troops as “losers” and “suckers” and criticizing the late Sen. John McCain. Trump, who avoided the Vietnam draft with five deferments, has been noted for making offensive comments about U.S. service members.
LEFT BIAS FACTUAL REPORTING: MIXED