Trump declares himself a war hero and cuts veterans' benefits
US President Trump called himself a "war hero" in an interview, sparking controversy. The 79-year-old never served in a war.
Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday in a conversation with conservative radio host Mark Levin that he was a war hero. Trump referred to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he also called a war hero, adding, "I think I am, too."
In fact, the US president has never actively participated in a war. His remarks referred to the airstrikes in Iran at the end of June, which targeted critical uranium enrichment facilities.
According to US magazine Newsweek, the statement could offend the significant constituency of military veterans. The Trump administration plans to cut the Department of Veterans Affairs by up to 30,000 positions by the end of the 2025 fiscal year.
Veterans organizations and union leaders are expressing concern about the potential impact on veterans' healthcare and support. In June, veterans protested a Trump administration parade commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.
Trump called himself a war hero during an interview for Levin's podcast, in which he discussed working with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to free hostages from Hamas. He praised Netanyahu as a "good man" and emphasized his fighting spirit.
"He's a war hero because we worked together," Trump continued. "So I'm a war hero, too. Nobody cares, but I am. I mean, I sent those planes."
These statements have already drawn criticism. Former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger, a staunch Trump opponent and war veteran, expressed shock and commented on X: "Trump just called himself a 'war hero.' Wow."
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