Trump Mulls Self-Awarding Military Honor Amid Draft Avoidance

Former President Donald Trump expressed interest in awarding himself the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration for valor in combat in the United States.

Trump mentioned that he had considered giving himself the medal after visiting Iraq during his first term, but his advisors dissuaded him from doing so.

Although Trump never served in the military and is ineligible for the award, he jokingly mentioned his desire to receive the medal, despite not meeting the criteria.

Trump avoided military service during the Vietnam War by obtaining a medical deferment for "bone spurs." He has faced criticism for his comments about military service.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars denounced Trump's remarks about awarding himself the medal as inappropriate and disrespectful to the significance of the honor.

Trump later clarified his comments, stating that he was "having fun" and suggested that he might legally pursue awarding himself the medal despite the controversy surrounding his statements.