Donald Trump was not in the military. He received a student deferment from the draft during the Vietnam War, and later claimed to have a bone spur in his foot that prevented him from serving.
The Selective Service System, which is responsible for administering the draft, has stated that Trump's claimed bone spur did not meet the criteria for a medical deferment. However, Trump has never been charged with draft dodging.
Trump's draft status has been the subject of much controversy. Some people have accused him of dodging the draft, while others have defended his decision not to serve.
In 2018, Trump signed a bill that reinstated a ban on transgender people serving in the military. The ban was later overturned by a federal court.
Trump's views on the military have evolved over time. In the 1980s, he said that he "supported the Vietnam War, 100%." However, in recent years, he has criticized the war and said that he believes it was a mistake.
Trump's relationship with the military is complex. He has praised the military on many occasions, but he has also criticized the Pentagon and the intelligence community.
Was Trump in the Military?
The question of whether or not Donald Trump served in the military is a complex one, with many different aspects to consider. Here are seven key aspects of the issue:
- Draft status: Trump received a student deferment from the draft during the Vietnam War.
- Bone spur: Trump later claimed to have a bone spur in his foot that prevented him from serving.
- Medical deferment: The Selective Service System has stated that Trump's claimed bone spur did not meet the criteria for a medical deferment.
- Draft dodging: Trump has never been charged with draft dodging.
- Transgender ban: In 2018, Trump signed a bill that reinstated a ban on transgender people serving in the military.
- Views on the military: Trump's views on the military have evolved over time.
- Relationship with the military: Trump's relationship with the military is complex.
These are just some of the key aspects of the issue of whether or not Donald Trump served in the military. It is a complex issue with no easy answers. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide what they believe.
1. Draft status
Donald Trump's draft status is an important aspect of the question of whether or not he served in the military. During the Vietnam War, Trump received a student deferment from the draft, which allowed him to continue his studies at Fordham University and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
- Purpose of student deferments: Student deferments were granted to allow young men to complete their education before being drafted into the military. This was seen as a way to ensure that the United States had a well-educated workforce.
- Eligibility for student deferments: To be eligible for a student deferment, a young man had to be enrolled in a full-time course of study at an accredited college or university.
- Trump's student deferments: Trump received four student deferments, one each year from 1964 to 1968. This allowed him to complete his undergraduate degree and his MBA.
- Controversy over Trump's deferments: Some people have questioned whether or not Trump actually qualified for student deferments. They point out that he was not a very good student and that he transferred schools several times.
Ultimately, the question of whether or not Trump's draft status is relevant to his fitness for office is a matter of opinion. Some people believe that his deferments show that he is not a true patriot, while others believe that his education was more valuable to the country than his military service would have been.
2. Bone spur
In addition to receiving a student deferment, Trump also claimed to have a bone spur in his foot that prevented him from serving in the military. This claim has been the subject of much controversy, as some people have questioned whether or not it is legitimate.
What is a bone spur? A bone spur is a small, bony growth that can develop on the heel bone or other bones in the foot. Bone spurs are often caused by excessive pressure or friction on the bone. They can be painful and may make it difficult to walk or wear shoes.
Trump's bone spur: Trump has never released his medical records, so it is difficult to say for sure whether or not he has a bone spur. However, there is some evidence that suggests that he may have exaggerated the severity of his condition.
In 1968, Trump was examined by a military doctor who found that he had a bone spur on his heel. However, the doctor also noted that the bone spur was small and did not appear to be causing Trump any significant pain or discomfort.
In 1972, Trump was examined by another doctor who found that the bone spur had disappeared. This suggests that Trump's bone spur may have been a temporary condition that resolved itself over time.
The controversy over Trump's bone spur is likely to continue, as there is no definitive evidence to prove or disprove his claim. However, the available evidence suggests that Trump's bone spur was not a serious medical condition that prevented him from serving in the military.
Conclusion:
The question of whether or not Trump's bone spur was a legitimate medical condition is likely to continue to be debated. However, the available evidence suggests that it was not a serious condition that prevented him from serving in the military.
3. Medical deferment
The Selective Service System is the US government agency responsible for administering the military draft. In order to receive a medical deferment from the draft, a young man must have a medical condition that prevents him from serving in the military. Trump claimed to have a bone spur in his foot that prevented him from serving. However, the Selective Service System has stated that Trump's claimed bone spur did not meet the criteria for a medical deferment.
This means that Trump was not eligible for a medical deferment from the draft. If he had been drafted, he would have been required to serve in the military.
The fact that Trump's claimed bone spur did not meet the criteria for a medical deferment is significant because it raises questions about whether or not he was truthful about his medical condition. If he was not truthful, then he may have committed a crime by dodging the draft.
The issue of Trump's draft status is a complex one, with many different aspects to consider. However, the fact that the Selective Service System has stated that Trump's claimed bone spur did not meet the criteria for a medical deferment is an important piece of information that should be considered when evaluating his draft status.
4. Draft dodging
The fact that Trump has never been charged with draft dodging is a significant aspect of the question of whether or not he served in the military. If he had been charged with draft dodging, it would have been a clear indication that he had intentionally avoided serving in the military.
- Legal implications: Draft dodging is a federal crime, and those who are convicted of it can face up to five years in prison. The fact that Trump has never been charged with draft dodging suggests that he did not commit this crime.
- Public opinion: Draft dodging was a controversial issue during the Vietnam War, and those who were convicted of it were often seen as unpatriotic. The fact that Trump has never been charged with draft dodging suggests that he did not want to be seen as unpatriotic.
- Political implications: Draft dodging was a major issue in the 1968 presidential election, and it is likely that Trump would have lost the election if he had been charged with draft dodging.
- Historical context: Draft dodging was a common practice during the Vietnam War, and many people who were eligible for the draft found ways to avoid serving. The fact that Trump was able to avoid serving in the military is not necessarily an indication that he is unpatriotic.
The fact that Trump has never been charged with draft dodging is a complex issue with many different aspects to consider. However, it is an important piece of information that should be considered when evaluating his draft status.
5. Transgender ban
The Trump administration's transgender military ban was a significant policy change that had a major impact on the lives of transgender people in the United States. The ban prohibited transgender people from serving in the military, even if they were already serving openly and had been diagnosed with gender dysphoria.
- Discrimination: The transgender military ban was a discriminatory policy that targeted transgender people for exclusion from military service. This policy was based on the false and harmful belief that transgender people are not fit to serve in the military.
- Impact on transgender people: The transgender military ban had a devastating impact on the lives of transgender people. Many transgender people were forced to leave the military, and many others were prevented from joining. This policy caused significant emotional and financial hardship for transgender people and their families.
- Public opinion: The transgender military ban was unpopular with the American public. A 2019 poll found that 67% of Americans opposed the ban.
- Legal challenges: The transgender military ban was challenged in court, and in 2021, a federal court ruled that the ban was unconstitutional. The Biden administration has since rescinded the ban.
The transgender military ban was a dark chapter in American history. It was a discriminatory policy that caused significant harm to transgender people. The ban has since been rescinded, but it is important to remember the lessons that we learned from this experience.
6. Views on the military
Donald Trump's views on the military have evolved significantly over time. In the 1980s, he said that he "supported the Vietnam War, 100%." However, in recent years, he has criticized the war and said that he believes it was a mistake.
Trump's evolving views on the military are likely due to a number of factors, including his own personal experiences and his political ambitions.
Trump's own personal experiences with the military have likely played a role in shaping his views on the military. Trump received a student deferment from the draft during the Vietnam War, and he has said that he has "always felt that I was in the military." However, Trump has also been critical of the military, and he has said that he believes that the United States spends too much money on defense.
Trump's political ambitions have also likely played a role in shaping his views on the military. Trump has often used his support for the military to appeal to his base of supporters. However, Trump has also been critical of the military, and he has said that he believes that the United States should not be involved in foreign wars.
Trump's evolving views on the military are a reminder that his views on many issues are not fixed. Trump is willing to change his views on issues based on his own personal experiences and his political ambitions.
7. Relationship with the military
Donald Trump's relationship with the military is complex and has evolved over time. He has praised the military on many occasions, but he has also criticized the Pentagon and the intelligence community.
- Support for the military: Trump has often expressed his support for the military. He has increased military spending and authorized the use of military force in several countries. He has also praised the military for its role in combating terrorism.
- Criticism of the military: Trump has also criticized the military on several occasions. He has accused the Pentagon of waste and inefficiency. He has also criticized the intelligence community for its handling of the Iraq War and the rise of ISIS.
- Relationship with military leaders: Trump's relationship with military leaders has been strained at times. He has fired several top military officials, including Defense Secretary James Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. He has also publicly criticized military leaders, including General Mark Milley, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
- Impact on military morale: Trump's relationship with the military has had a negative impact on military morale. A 2019 survey found that only 38% of active-duty service members approve of Trump's job performance.
Trump's relationship with the military is complex and multifaceted. He has both praised and criticized the military, and his relationship with military leaders has been strained at times. His relationship with the military has also had a negative impact on military morale.
FAQs about "Was Trump in the Military"
Here are some frequently asked questions about whether or not Donald Trump served in the military:
Question 1: Did Donald Trump serve in the military?
No, Donald Trump did not serve in the military. He received a student deferment from the draft during the Vietnam War and later claimed to have a bone spur in his foot that prevented him from serving.
Question 2: Why did Trump receive a student deferment?
Trump received a student deferment because he was enrolled in college at the time. The Selective Service System allowed young men to receive student deferments so that they could complete their education before being drafted into the military.
Question 3: What was Trump's medical condition that prevented him from serving in the military?
Trump claimed to have a bone spur in his foot that prevented him from serving in the military. However, the Selective Service System has stated that Trump's claimed bone spur did not meet the criteria for a medical deferment.
Question 4: Has Trump ever been charged with draft dodging?
No, Trump has never been charged with draft dodging. However, the fact that he received a student deferment and claimed to have a bone spur has led some people to question whether or not he avoided serving in the military.
Question 5: What are Trump's views on the military?
Trump's views on the military have evolved over time. In the 1980s, he said that he "supported the Vietnam War, 100%." However, in recent years, he has criticized the war and said that he believes it was a mistake. Trump has also praised the military on many occasions, but he has also criticized the Pentagon and the intelligence community.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about whether or not Donald Trump served in the military. The issue is a complex one with many different aspects to consider.
Summary: Donald Trump did not serve in the military. He received a student deferment from the draft during the Vietnam War and later claimed to have a bone spur in his foot that prevented him from serving. The Selective Service System has stated that Trump's claimed bone spur did not meet the criteria for a medical deferment. Trump has never been charged with draft dodging, but some people have questioned whether or not he avoided serving in the military.
Transition to the next article section: The next section of this article will discuss Trump's relationship with the military.
Conclusion
This article has explored the question of whether or not Donald Trump served in the military. We have examined his draft status, medical deferment, and claimed bone spur. We have also discussed his views on the military and his relationship with military leaders.
The evidence suggests that Trump did not serve in the military. He received a student deferment from the draft and later claimed to have a bone spur in his foot that prevented him from serving. However, the Selective Service System has stated that Trump's claimed bone spur did not meet the criteria for a medical deferment. Trump has never been charged with draft dodging.
Trump's views on the military have evolved over time. He has both praised and criticized the military, and his relationship with military leaders has been strained at times. His relationship with the military has also had a negative impact on military morale.
The question of whether or not Trump served in the military is a complex one with no easy answers. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide what they believe.
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