Trump Jokes About Self-Awarding Congressional Medal of Honor

During a rally in Rome, Georgia, on Thursday, former President Donald Trump humorously suggested that he wanted to award himself the Congressional Medal of Honor following a surprise visit to U.S. troops in Iraq in December 2018. While addressing supporters and promoting congressional candidates he endorsed, Trump recounted his experience in Iraq, stating, “I decided to go to Iraq. I was extremely brave. So brave in fact that I wanted to give myself the Congressional Medal of Honor.” He noted that he had awarded many medals to service members who had suffered severe injuries, implying that his own actions did not compare.

The Hill

Trump's visit to Iraq took place during the holiday season of 2018, marking a significant moment in his presidency as he joined the ranks of previous presidents, including Barack Obama and George W. Bush, who visited troops in conflict zones. The U.S. military presence in Iraq continues, while the withdrawal from Afghanistan was completed in 2022 under President Joe Biden.

The Hill

In his remarks, Trump expressed a desire to challenge the legality of self-awarding the medal, stating, “Someday I’m going to try. I’m going to test the law.” He also anticipated negative media coverage, saying, “The fake news will say ‘Donald Trump wants to give himself the Congressional Medal of Honor but he was rebuffed by the audience who stood up and booed the hell out of him.’”

The Hill

Critics of Trump’s comments have pointed out the insensitivity of joking about such a prestigious military honor, especially in light of the sacrifices made by service members. The juxtaposition of his self-deprecating humor against the backdrop of serious military service has drawn mixed reactions from the public and commentators alike.

The Hill

• “I decided to go to Iraq. I was extremely brave. So brave in fact that I wanted to give myself the Congressional Medal of Honor,” — Donald Trump, Former President

The Hill

• “Someday I’m going to try. I’m going to test the law,” — Donald Trump, Former President

The Hill

• “The fake news will say ‘Donald Trump wants to give himself the Congressional Medal of Honor but he was rebuffed by the audience who stood up and booed the hell out of him,” — Donald Trump, Former President

The Hill

Trump's remarks at the Georgia rally reflect his characteristic blend of humor and bravado, while also highlighting the ongoing complexities surrounding U.S. military engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan. The response to his comments underscores the polarized views on his presidency and the implications of his statements regarding military honors.

The Hill