A recent report claims that Donald Trump wishes to grant himself the Medal of Honor. Needless to say, this has sparked fresh controversy. This reported wish expressed by the president is raising eyebrows, as questions emerge about eligibility.
Donald Trump wants highest military honor, claims report
According to an April 18 report by The Wall Street Journal, Donald Trump has “mused” about awarding himself the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor in the country. The reason behind this reported wish of the President remains unclear.
The U.S. Department of War’s website says that the Medal of Honor may be bestowed upon “members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty,” when they fall under any one of three circumstances.
They are listed as those engaged “in action against an enemy of the United States,” “in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force,” or those “serving with friendly foreign forces” in armed conflict.
President Trump does not meet any of the criteria because he has never served in the military. Additionally, he had received four deferments during the Vietnam War. Although, as a president, he is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, that position is considered a civilian role.
Despite not meeting the criteria, Trump has expressed his wish to receive the Medal of Honor in the past. In February, the POTUS said, “I flew to Iraq. I was extremely brave. So brave, I wanted to give myself the Congressional Medal of Honor.” Speaking with a crowd in Rome, Georgia, he added, “I said, I said to my people, am I allowed to give myself the Congressional Medal of Honor?… Some day I’m gonna try. I’m gonna test the law (via The Independent).”
Donald Trump has not made any official update on whether he intends to award himself the Medal of Honor.
Originally reported by Namrata Ghosh on Mandatory.
