By John Q. Hosedrinker The recent revelation that Donald Trump was infuriated over the funeral costs of U.S. Army soldier Vanessa Guillén—who he derogatorily referred to as a “fucking Mexican”—is utterly shocking yet, regrettably, not surprising. This incident encapsulates the callousness with which he views individuals who do not fit his narrow mold of acceptable American identities. My heart aches for her family, who had to deal not only with the tremendous loss of their daughter but also with the ignoble dismissal of her worth by the one person who held the highest office in the country.
Trump’s outburst in response to the $60,000 funeral cost speaks volumes about his character. It was less about the money and more about his dehumanizing attitude toward those he perceives as “other.” When he says, “It doesn’t cost 60,000 bucks to bury a fucking Mexican,” he’s laying bare an abhorrent ideology that equates a person’s value to their heritage. This type of rhetoric is not only painful but reflective of a systemic problem that has long plagued our society. Why are we still allowing someone who expresses such vitriol to operate in our public discourse? It’s a reminder that we need to actively reject this kind of hatred and ignorance.
Guillén, an American citizen born in Houston, should have been honored for her service and sacrifice. Instead, she became yet another victim of Trump’s disdain for anyone he can classify as “other.” The disgust I feel toward his behavior is compounded by the fact that Guillén was a soldier who died tragically in service to her country, drawing attention to serious issues within the military, including harassment and mistreatment. While her family sought solace, Trump was more concerned about the financial burden than he was about a grieving family or a slain soldier. His later comments about being ripped off by “fucking people” underscore a soullessness that ought to disturb anyone with even a shred of empathy.
It is baffling to me that Trump still garners support among Latino voters and military personnel despite these revelations. His history is riddled with acts of disrespect towards both groups, yet some still seem willing to overlook this in favor of party allegiance or ideological affiliation. How do people reconcile their support for a man who clearly disrespects their identity, their service, and their very humanity? This blind loyalty not only defies logic but showcases a troubling disconnection from the values of respect, honor, and integrity that the military purports to uphold.
The willingness of some to accept Trump’s language and actions reflects a broader societal malaise. We must confront the reality that such views resonate with a segment of the population. It begs the question: What kind of leader leads a political base anchored in disdain instead of unity or respect? Trump’s apparent desire for generals loyal to him like “the German generals in World War II” amplifies the alarming reality of how he idolizes authoritarianism. It is a sobering thought and a reminder of how fragile our democratic institutions are when so many embrace indifference toward what should be morally unacceptable.
Vanessa Guillén deserved better, and so do all service members. They deserve leaders who honor their sacrifice with dignity rather than derision. The prospect of Trump returning to power is not just a political threat; it is a direct assault on the values we profess to hold dear as a nation. Reflecting on this, I am galvanized to engage in the political process with fervor. This story underlines more than ever the importance of informed voting, activism, and community engagement. We cannot afford to let such individuals dictate the narrative of what it means to be an American.
As I look around, I see the need for a collective awakening to challenge not only Trump’s rhetoric but also the culture that allows such hateful expressions to persist. We must rally against the indifference and complicit silence that enables cruelty. It’s a call to action that resonates deeply, reminding us that we hold the power to steer our democracy toward compassion and inclusivity rather than divisive hatred. Voting is our weapon, and it’s crucial that we wield it wisely for the sake of our future, and for those like Vanessa who deserved every ounce of respect and honor.