The internet was set ablaze on Thursday night with reporting from The Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg reported that Trump called American service members who perished in war "suckers" and "losers."
Four sources told Goldberg that Trump made the comments during his 2018 visit to France to commemorate the Battle of Belleau Wood at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery. Trump made waves at the time when he didn't attend the memorial, among whose honorees included the nearly two thousand Marines who died in the battle.
The report also claims that Trump was irate when he learned that flags had been lowered to half staff for the late Senator John McCain (R-AZ), whom Trump reportedly called a "f---ing loser" for spending five years as a prisoner of war.
Another harrowing detail describes a moment between Trump and then-Chief of Staff John Kelly at Arlington National Cemetery. The two visited the grave of Kelly's son, who died in Afghanistan in 2010. Trump reportedly asked Kelly "what was in it" for his son to serve.
A friend of Kelly's told Goldberg what he'd gleaned from the pair's interaction:
"[Trump] can't fathom the idea of doing something for someone other than himself. He just thinks that anyone who does anything when there's no direct personal gain to be had is a sucker. There's no money in serving the nation."
The White House denies the story as "patently false," though it's since been confirmed by the Associated Press and the Washington Post.
Democratic nominee Joe Biden, whose son Beau served in Army, responded to the news in a statement.
.@JoeBiden responds to the Atlantic report that Trump called Americans who died in war 'Losers' & 'Suckers'
"If the revelations in today's Atlantic article are true, then they are yet another marker of how deeply President Trump & I disagree about the role of the President" pic.twitter.com/Mb1obNa0d4
— Molly Nagle (@MollyNagle3) September 4, 2020
It reads in part:
"If the revelations in today's Atlantic article are true, then they are yet another marker of how deeply President Trump and I disagree about the role of the President of the United States."
He went on to honor troops who'd died in war:
"From the frontlines of our own Revolution to Belleau Wood to the Normandy beaches to the mountains of Afghanistan, the sacrifice and bravery of our troops and their willingness to serve our nation should be honored."
He reiterated the heart of the statement on Twitter.
Here's my promise to you: If I have the honor of serving as the next commander in chief, I will ensure that our American heroes know that I will have their back and honor their sacrifice. Always. https://t.co/wMFHHscD51
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) September 4, 2020
People felt Biden's words deeply contrasted those attributed to Trump.
.@JoeBiden knows firsthand the sacrifices members of our military and their families make for our nation. As president, he will always have their backs—just as they've had ours. https://t.co/912n2iHFeh
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) September 4, 2020
There's light at the end of this long, dark tunnel we've been inching through for 3.5 years. Our men and women in uniform deserve a president fit for the office.
The choice is clear. The cause is urgent. The time is now.#DecencyCoalition@ProjectLincoln https://t.co/LWF6JQhPJl
— Republicans & Independents for Biden (@RsAndIs4Biden) September 4, 2020
I feel like maybe quite a few people might find it a welcome switch to have a top politician who chooses words as though politeness and decorum matter. It gives a feeling of stability. https://t.co/Cvw7VW6EVF
— James Harbeck (@sesquiotic) September 4, 2020
I will work night and day until Election Day to elect @JoeBiden. He will not disrespect my family. https://t.co/aoUfxdq499
— Nurse Mary Wears Pearls & a Mask 😷💛 (@RN4GVP) September 4, 2020
He will mean it, too. Not like the guy with zero empathy. https://t.co/fTnbxuWzVX
— Ivan the K™ (@IvanTheK) September 4, 2020
Dear @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris, this Marine vet and Catholic wishes you all the best and will definitely be voting for Biden/Harris. God bless you both! https://t.co/KfHb2aCn8G
— Sean P. Dailey (@SeanPDailey2) September 4, 2020
👇🏽This is what a 'real legitimate' president would say! https://t.co/r4Uw52gakj
— Thor (@Hutchinson17Tim) September 4, 2020
Meanwhile, people blasted Trump.
Trump will never understand why people serve, sacrifice and care for more than themselves.
“Why should I go to that cemetery? It's filled with losers."
"What was in it for them?"
"I like people who weren't captured."
We owe those who served and died a debt we can never repay. https://t.co/B4nd8eQMdk
— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) September 3, 2020
Given all we know about Trump to date, I don't doubt he said this. It's September 2020. America must stop pretending to just discover Trump. His record is decades long. https://t.co/3Je6Q2iYFN
— Midwin Charles (@MidwinCharles) September 4, 2020
On behalf of my uncle, Corp.John F. McGettigan, buried in Arlington: Eff you, Fake President. https://t.co/09RUFI9LRL
— Maureen McGettigan (@IGettigan) September 4, 2020
In his youth, Trump dodged the draft at least five times.
