Former President Donald Trump praised wealthy donor Miriam Adelson, who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, as having received a better award than the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor, because recipients of the latter are often deceased or injured. Trump made these comments at a campaign event focused on antisemitism, where Miriam Adelson introduced him. He described the Presidential Medal of Freedom as the highest civilian honor, equivalent to the Congressional Medal of Honor, despite the misconception that it is called the Congressional Medal of Honor. Trump claimed that recipients of the Medal of Honor are usually soldiers who are either injured or deceased due to combat.
In addition to praising Miriam Adelson, Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, have criticized Democratic vice presidential nominee, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, for his military record. Vance, also a veteran, has questioned Walz’s decision to retire from the National Guard after over 20 years of service but before deployment to Iraq. Walz has defended his military service. Miriam Adelson, a prominent Republican donor and widow of Sheldon Adelson, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2018 for her charitable contributions to anti-addiction facilities and her work as a doctor. She was praised by the Trump administration for her support of various Jewish causes and organizations.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1963 to honor civilians who have made significant contributions to the interests of the United States, world peace, and other cultural or public endeavors. Over 600 individuals have received this award in the past 60 years. In comparison, the Medal of Honor has a longer history, first established in 1861 and has had over 3,500 recipients, with 60 living recipients today. The requirements for the Medal of Honor include acts of gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of one’s life above and beyond the call of duty during active combat against a foreign foe.
The Medal of Honor recipients are nominated based on documented acts of valor with multiple witnesses and approval from the president. The citations for the honor often detail courageous actions under fire, such as rescuing fellow military members or civilians in dangerous situations. Trump’s comments comparing the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the Medal of Honor sparked a debate about the significance and criteria of these prestigious awards. The controversy also highlighted the political dimensions of honoring individuals for their contributions to society, whether through military service or civilian accomplishments.
As Trump continues to play a prominent role in Republican politics, his remarks at campaign events draw attention and scrutiny. The discussion of awards and honors like the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Medal of Honor reflects broader debates about military service, valor, and recognition in American society. The contrast between civilian and military honors, as well as the criteria for receiving these awards, raises important questions about the values and priorities of the country. Overall, Trump’s comments on these awards shed light on the complexities and controversies surrounding recognition and honor in the United States.
