Once Donald Trump announced his plan to run for president, he made supporting the military and veterans one of his top talking points. On Thursday, the president presented a wounded soldier with a Purple Heart, which resulted in his critics wasting no time firing back.
Trump dodger
During the early stages of Donald Trump's campaign, he often spoke highly of the United States Military and soldiers past and present. While sticking with the usual Republican theme of praising the military, Trump often found himself backed into a corner. One of Trump's biggest blunders on the issue was when he insulted Arizona Sen.
John McCain for becoming a POW during the Vietnam War, infamously saying, "He's not a war hero. I like people who aren't captured." In addition, Trump's five deferments to avoid serving in Vietnam caused many to label the former host of "The Apprentice" as a "draft dodger" and even a "chickenhawk." While there are many who oppose him, Trump has found popularity among the military and as The Hill reported on December 21, was able to meet a wounded veteran and present him with a prestigious honor.
Today, @POTUS @realDonaldTrump presented the Purple Heart to an American Hero, at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. pic.twitter.com/xvSg35Xs70
— Dan Scavino Jr. (@Scavino45) December 21, 2017
Stopping at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland on Thursday, Donald Trump met with 25-year-old First Lieutenant Victor Prato who was injured during a mission in Afghanistan after an IED exploded.
After a fellow soldier read an offical statement in honor of Prato, Trump handed him the Purple Heart and said a few words.
Trump presents Purple Heart to wounded soldier at Walter Reed https://t.co/vRQfhcfFjl pic.twitter.com/qd6rO15Rcx
— The Hill (@thehill) December 22, 2017
Twitter reacts
After the video of Donald Trump presenting the Purple Heart made the rounds, those who oppose the commander in chief decided to go on the attack.
"The purple heart presentation while a patient is laid up? Is this just an act for Trump for a photo opt?" one tweet wondered.
The idea of this 5x draft dodger presenting a wounded warrior with a Purple Heart medal...sickening.
— Marine Mom (@CLRo777) December 22, 2017
The hypocrisy of it all. #Trump avoids military service with 5 deferments including one for a bone spur, presenting a Purple Heart to a brave young man who put his life on the line. He deserves better.
— Beekeeper (@catch22x3) December 22, 2017
Because of course it is.
— Anonymous (@Trumpisdisease) December 22, 2017
"The hypocrisy of it all.
#Trump avoids military service with 5 deferments including one for a bone spur, presenting a Purple Heart to a brave young man who put his life on the line. He deserves better," an additional tweet added. "I see Trump’s bone spurs didn’t keep him from hobbling his way into Walter Reed. Damn draft dodger," one Twitter user wrote. "Now he’s getting attention from people who physically can’t look away," a social media user posted.
Now he’s getting attention from people who physically can’t look away.
— Alex Kuno (@alexkuno) December 22, 2017
I bet that serviceman lying there has a lot of things he'd like to say. I'd also bet that he's got a lot more of an understanding of the words 'honor', 'duty' and 'integrity' than the man giving him the medal.
— Jeff Pulice (@jeff_pulice) December 22, 2017
"The idea of this 5x draft dodger presenting a wounded warrior with a Purple Heart medal...sickening," an additional tweet stated. The mockery and trolling of the irony of the situation continued as Donald Trump's poll numbers remain at historic lows.
