Former President Donald Trump called for President Joe Biden to remove an attack ad that contained quotes attributed to Trump in which he allegedly mocked dead soldiers. These quotes, including calling soldiers “losers” and “suckers,” were first reported by The Atlantic in 2020, but Trump has consistently denied ever making these statements. Despite this, the Biden campaign launched an attack ad featuring these quotes during a visit to Normandy commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
Trump continued to deny the claims at a rally in Las Vegas, stating that the whole episode was “made up” by his political opponents. He also criticized those who advised him not to address the allegations, claiming that mentioning it was necessary despite his reluctance. In addition to the “losers” and “suckers” comments, the ad also included audio of Trump mocking the late Sen. John McCain as a war hero because he was captured during the Vietnam War. Trump’s response to the ad showed his anger and frustration at the claims being perpetuated against him.
In a pair of posts on his Truth Social platform, Trump dismissed the “losers and suckers” claim as “another Democrat Disinformation ‘hit job'” and accused those spreading the allegation of being “FASCIST SCUM that is destroying our Country.” He also asserted that he has “never said that dead Soldiers are ‘losers and suckers'” and called on Biden to take down the ad, accusing him of weaponizing the justice system against his political opponent. Trump’s posts displayed his ongoing outrage and defiance in response to the attack ad and the allegations against him.
Trump’s demand for Biden to remove the attack ad came on the same day that Biden visited the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in France to honor fallen troops. This was the same cemetery that Trump chose not to visit in 2018 and was later reported to have described as “filled with losers.” The ongoing controversy surrounding these reported remarks has fueled tensions between the two presidents and reignited debates about Trump’s attitude towards the military and his treatment of veterans. Despite Trump’s denials, the allegations continue to be a point of contention in the political arena.
The attack ad and Trump’s response to it highlight the deep divide and animosity between the two political figures. The use of quotes attributed to Trump to attack his character and reputation reflects the intense nature of the political climate in the United States. The allegations of disrespect towards soldiers and veterans strike a sensitive chord with many Americans, further intensifying the debate and controversy surrounding Trump’s actions and statements. The back-and-forth between Trump and Biden underscores the ongoing tensions and divisions within the country’s political landscape.
