Senator Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat from Illinois, is not having Trump's disparaging words about American military members, and she let him and the world know in no uncertain terms on Friday.
In the wake of revelations that President Trump called members of the military—the very troops he himself commands—"losers" and "suckers" in 2018, Duckworth unleashed a fiery rebuke.
"He doesn't understand people's bravery and courage because he's never had any of his own," said the Iraq War veteran. https://t.co/VIDf7PusEx
— HuffPost (@HuffPost) September 4, 2020
Duckworth, who lost both legs in the Iraq War when her helicopter was shot down in 2004, is a Purple Heart recipient.
Her comments were in response to an explosive article that appeared in The Atlantic last week, in which the President was quoted insulting dead World War I soldiers after canceling visit to Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in Belleau, France.
Speaking of the fallen soldiers, Trump was quoted saying:
"Why should I go to that cemetery? It's filled with losers."
A senior White House official confirmed to multiple outlets that the President has repeatedly referred to veterns, soldiers who died in battle, and soldiers missing in action as "losers."
During her remarks, which were a part of a press call organized by the Biden campaign, Duckworth said she wasn't surprised by the President's total lack of regard for the military.
"I am not shocked, but I am appalled. Then again, this is the man who spent every day refining the concept of narcissism.
But she reserved her most pointed criticism for the President's character and lack of bravery.
"Of course he thinks about war selfishly ... because that's how he's viewed his own life. He doesn't understand people's bravery and courage because he's never had any of his own."
And, seemingly presuming that the President would consider her a "loser" on the basis of her Iraq War injuries, Duckworth made reference to Trump's Vietnam War draft-dodging in the 1960s.
"I'll take my wheelchair and titanium legs over Donald Trump's supposed bone spurs every day."
On Twitter, most people were firmly on Team Duckworth.
Duckworth should be revered for her courage and service. Now, when we are stuck with a c-in-c who can't appreciate, let alone articulate, military values she helps Americans who don't serve to understand the lives and character of those who dohttps://t.co/LYATcYMkxs
— Jennifer Rubin (@JRubinBlogger) September 6, 2020
True patriot... 45 isn't https://t.co/34mj07qpX4
— Zivamom (@Zivamom1) September 5, 2020
God bless and protect Tammy Duckworth! https://t.co/q7ugI8YnvW
— AudaciouslyObnoxiousAllAmericanFeministTroubleMakr (@AudaciousAll) September 5, 2020
"I take my wheelchair and my titanium legs over Donald Trump's supposed bone spurs any day." pic.twitter.com/TeZOSDWTlK
— NotATweeter16 (@NotATweeter16) September 4, 2020
And many shared her assessments of Trump's character.
Same here. He told us who he was most of his life. We just didn't listen. https://t.co/eMkqen65Ai
— Karen Seavey 🌊 (@KarenSeavey) September 5, 2020
He has never cared about anyone or anything but himself.
— #JoeMala2020 - For the People (@joebloughed) September 5, 2020
Trump never has had courage. He has been insulated and protected. If he were on his own he would drown. He does not have a rich inner life or stength. He actually is frightened and his boasting is because other prop him up. He is weak. It is so very obvious
— Maria Carella (@MariaCarella12) September 5, 2020
My dad served in the military for this country. How dare he! I can't imagine how the families of those marines must feel after losing a loved one because they fought for this country. 😞😢 They deserve to be honored by the person who is suppose to be the leader of this country! https://t.co/TWsGwh0eqF
— Demita_LoveDaily (@DLovedaily) September 5, 2020
Love you Senator Duckworth. You've got more bravery in your little finger than trump has in his one brain cell.
— Susan (@moviemad55) September 4, 2020
For his part, the President denies ever making the comments, claiming on Twitter that he has only ever referred to military members as "HEROES."
