On this Veteran’s Day, Americans think about and honor the sacrifices that our military veterans have made. Most Americans who haven’t served wouldn’t even think about trying to compare our lives and sacrifices to those that soldiers have made for their families and our nation. Then there’s Donald Trump Jr.
In his book, “Triggered: How the Left Thrives on Hate and Wants to Silence Us,” Trump Jr. said that during a visit to Arlington National Cemetery he heard a bugler playing “Taps” and writes, “In that moment, I also thought of all the attacks we’d already suffered as a family, and about all the sacrifices we’d have to make to help my father succeed …”
Don Jr is currently on the road promoting his new book. On his tour, the president’s son has been met with some hostility, including being booed off the stage in a recent appearance at UCLA after refusing to take any questions from the audience.
Donald Trump Jr. says "we're willing to listen"
Crowd chants: "Q&A! Q&A!" pic.twitter.com/6CsfC5tfej
— Brett MacDonald (@TweetBrettMac) November 10, 2019
But it was his comments about “sacrifice” that has many veterans upset, including the Executive Director of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Paul Rieckhoff. In an interview with CNN today, Reickhoff pulled no punches in telling Americans exactly what he thinks of Trump Jr’s comments.
“Don Jr. is of age. If he wants to understand what sacrifice is about, join the military,” said Rieckhoff. “Folks like Sean Spicer and others have done it. Reince Priebus just joined the military. There are plenty of ways to serve your country. But you have to understand what the military community is all about. Comparing that to dead people at Arlington is ridiculous.”
“Unfortunately it has a tone that’s permeated this time and time again,” continued Rieckhoff. “Just last week, the president is going to be at the — his foundation is going to be fined $2 million for diverting funds raised for veterans that were put into politics. This is the charade they did in Iowa where he was going to boycott the Fox debate and raise money for veterans. Looks like the money didn’t go to veterans. It went to politics. Time and time again, there’s this politicization. I’ve brought it up on shows for three years. It’s about the core of democracy, and veterans and military folks should be off limits when it comes to politics.”
Rieckhoff wasn’t alone in his criticisms. Arizona Rep. Ruben Gallego, who’d joined the Marines after graduating from Harvard and served in Iraq tweeted:
“Eight men I served with are buried in Section 60 of Arlington. I visit them monthly. Even if Donald JR. lived a 1,000 years he will never even get close to being as good and honorable as they were. Sacrifice is only a word to the Trumps.”
Eight men I served with are buried in Section 60 of Arlington. I visit them monthly. Even if Donald JR. lived a 1,000 years he will never even get close to being as good and honorable as they were. Sacrifice is only a word to the Trumps. https://t.co/47eIc9SBPg
— Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) November 7, 2019
As the kids say these days, maybe Donald Trump Jr. should just sit this one out.
