Donald Trump has repeatedly denied reporting by The Atlantic that he has, several times and in front of witnesses, referred to those who have died or been taken hostage in war as “losers” and “suckers.” On Friday, he exploded in a tweet, once again denying those reports.
A number of Trump insiders have gone on the record to refute the story. Such well-known names as Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Hogan Gidley, Kayleigh McEnany, and Dan Scavino have called the story “fake news” and insisted that Trump is full of respect for the military. However, sources like the Associated Press have confirmed the sources of the story from The Atlantic and determined that those sources are credible.
Among claims made by The Atlantic, are:
‘Trump’s understanding of heroism has not evolved since he became president. According to sources with knowledge of the president’s views, he seems to genuinely not understand why Americans treat former prisoners of war with respect. Nor does he understand why pilots who are shot down in combat are honored by the military. On at least two occasions since becoming president, according to three sources with direct knowledge of his views, Trump referred to former President George H. W. Bush as a “loser” for being shot down by the Japanese as a Navy pilot in World War II. (Bush escaped capture, but eight other men shot down during the same mission were caught, tortured, and executed by Japanese soldiers.)’
With Trump’s poll numbers among active duty military members already lagging, it’s not a story anyone will soon forget. And with all the lies Trump and those in his administration have told, no one is buying the denials.
Twitter had a lot to say about Trump’s outraged tweet. Read some of their comments below:
