Former U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked controversy with his recent statement comparing the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the Medal of Honor, claiming the civilian award is "actually much better." The remarks were made during an event at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, where Trump praised Republican megadonor Miriam Adelson, whom he awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom during his presidency.
“Miriam, I watched [Sheldon Adelson, her late husband] sitting so proud in the White House when we gave Miriam the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” Trump said. “That’s the highest award you can get as a civilian. It’s the equivalent of the Congressional Medal of Honor, but civilian version. It’s actually much better because everyone gets the Congressional Medal of Honor – that’s soldiers. They’re either in very bad shape because they’ve been hit so many times by bullets, or they’re dead.”
He continued, “She gets it, and she’s a healthy, beautiful woman, and they’re rated equal.”
The Medal of Honor is the United States' highest military decoration awarded for acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty, often presented posthumously or to soldiers who have been severely wounded in combat.
Trump’s comments have been met with criticism for seemingly diminishing the sacrifices made by military personnel who receive the Medal of Honor. The Presidential Medal of Freedom, established by President John F. Kennedy in 1963, is the highest civilian award in the United States, recognizing individuals who have made exceptional contributions to national security, world peace, culture, or other significant public or private endeavors.
The comparison and the manner in which Trump articulated his views have drawn backlash from various quarters, including veterans' groups and political commentators, who argue that both awards carry immense significance and honor in their respective domains.
Trump says the Presidential Medal of Freedom is “much better” than the Congressional Medal of Honor because “soldiers” who are “in very bad shape because they've been hit so many times by bullets or they're dead” get the Medal of Honor, while “healthy, beautiful” people get the… pic.twitter.com/zUJgwfX5x5
— Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) August 16, 2024
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