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Trump's Track Record of Disparaging US Veterans Corroborates Atlantic Report

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel stated that the report from The Atlantic, which stated that President Donald Trump belittled US veterans as "losers" and "suckers," will resonate with US soldiers due to the president's track record of deriding Americans who served in the army. Hagel pointed out that Trump's history of criticizing former American veterans, including late Senator John McCain and former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, corroborates the report. A number of other news outlets and journalists have also corroborated parts of The Atlantic report with sources, further adding to the credibility of the story. Meanwhile, Trump has denied the report and targeted journalists who have reported on its credibility.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Atlantic report states that anonymous sources said Trump derided the late former senator John McCain and the late former President George H. W. Bush as "losers" because they were shot down while serving in the US Navy.
  • Former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel stated that the report is in line with Trump's words and actions "on the record," which speak to the "credibility of this article."
  • Trump's history of criticizing former American veterans, including late Senator John McCain, former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, and retired US Marine Corps general John Kelly, corroborates the report.
  • A number of other news outlets and journalists, including Fox News correspondent Jennifer Griffin, The Associated Press, and Business Insider, have corroborated parts of The Atlantic report with sources.
  • Trump has denied the report and targeted journalists who have reported on its credibility, including Fox News correspondent Jennifer Griffin.
  • Hagel stated that such "despicable" comments are "beneath the dignity of any commander-in-chief" and that no president has ever used their veterans as "props."

Statistics:

  • Two Purple Hearts were awarded to Hagel for his services in the Vietnam War.
  • Trump has a track record of criticizing American veterans, including late Senator John McCain, former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, and retired US Marine Corps general John Kelly.
  • The Atlantic report cites anonymous sources who claim that Trump derided the late former senator John McCain and the late former President George H. W. Bush as "losers."
  • A number of other news outlets and journalists, including Fox News correspondent Jennifer Griffin, The Associated Press, and Business Insider, have corroborated parts of The Atlantic report with sources.

Sources:

  • The Atlantic's report that President Donald Trump belittled US veterans
  • Business Insider's report on Trump's call with Republicans about McCain and Bush's military service
  • Fox News correspondent Jennifer Griffin's report on Trump's comments
  • The Associated Press' report on Trump's comments
  • Business Insider's report on Trump's military service
  • ABC News' interview with Chuck Hagel

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