Donald Trump Hates The US Military
Trump's Controversial Relationship with Military Service and Veterans
Many have noticed it before—Donald Trump’s contentious relationship with America’s military community. This tension was especially evident as far back as 2015, when Trump made disparaging comments about the late Senator John McCain, a decorated war hero. During a public appearance, Trump stated, “He’s not a war hero… I only like people who weren’t captured.” These comments referred to McCain’s five harrowing years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, during which he endured brutal torture, including a shattered rib cage and other lasting injuries.
McCain’s capture came after he was ejected from his aircraft during a combat mission. Despite the opportunity to be released early, McCain declined, demanding that his fellow U.S. troops held as prisoners of war be freed first. This extraordinary act of courage solidified McCain's legacy as a hero. In stark contrast, Trump avoided military service entirely during the Vietnam War era, citing bone spurs in his feet as a medical exemption. Given these vastly different experiences, it’s impossible to say how Trump would have acted under similar circumstances.
Even with such disrespectful remarks, many veterans and active military members continued to support Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign. Senator McCain remained a loyal Republican and endorsed Trump, possibly out of party allegiance rather than personal affinity. However, this support waned following the infamous "Access Hollywood" scandal in which Trump was recorded making lewd comments about women. In response, McCain publicly revoked his endorsement, saying Trump’s behavior “makes it impossible to continue to offer even conditional support.”
Trump’s fraught relationship with the military didn’t end there. A 2020 report by The Atlantic claimed that Trump referred to fallen American soldiers as “suckers” and “losers.” The article, which cited four anonymous sources, also alleged that Trump declined to visit the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery near Paris in 2018, citing bad weather. While the official explanation was that rain grounded his helicopter, sources with direct knowledge of the incident said Trump dismissed the visit because he feared the rain would ruin his hair and questioned the value of honoring those who had died in battle.
These remarks struck a nerve with many Americans, especially veterans and military families who view the sacrifices of service members as the ultimate form of patriotism. Critics argued that Trump’s comments revealed a fundamental lack of respect for those who serve the country, further alienating him from the very community many Republicans historically champion.
Fast forward to today, and Trump’s treatment of the military remains a subject of scrutiny. His transition team is reportedly considering the court martial of U.S. military officials involved in the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. While the withdrawal, ordered under the Biden administration, resulted in the tragic loss of 13 U.S. troops and left many Americans and Afghan allies scrambling to escape the Taliban, its roots trace back to an agreement Trump brokered with the Taliban during his presidency. That deal set the stage for the eventual withdrawal, limiting the options available to Biden’s administration.
The idea of punishing military officials for executing orders tied to a policy Trump himself initiated has drawn sharp criticism. Many view such actions as authoritarian, undermining the principles of military hierarchy and civilian control. Critics argue that targeting military officials for political gain reflects a dangerous trend where accountability is deflected from leadership onto those tasked with implementing difficult directives.
Trump’s relationship with the military and veterans is emblematic of his larger, often polarizing approach to leadership—marked by loyalty to his persona over institutional values. Whether through disparaging remarks about war heroes or attempts to shift blame for policy outcomes, Trump’s actions continue to spark debate about the role of respect and responsibility in public service.
