By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Donald Trump, a draft dodger himself, recently shared a video of a U.S. military operation in Venezuela on Truth Social, accompanied by Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son,” a song critiquing privileged individuals who avoid military service. The song, written by John Fogerty, is a protest against those who use connections to evade the draft, a situation that ironically mirrors Trump’s own history. Despite being a veteran himself, Fogerty has previously expressed disapproval of Trump’s use of the song, even sending a cease-and-desist letter. Following the post, Trump gave a delayed press conference, where he admitted to wanting Venezuela’s oil reserves and asserted the U.S. would oversee the country’s transition.
Read the original article here
Draft-dodging Donald Trump has, it seems, yet to grasp the fundamental irony embedded in the song “Fortunate Son.”
The subject of his recent social media video, a post concerning a U.S. action in Venezuela, was set to the iconic Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) track. This very song, penned by John Fogerty, is a powerful protest against the draft and the privilege that allowed certain individuals, like Trump himself, to avoid military service. The song’s core message speaks to the anger surrounding those with wealth and influence who used connections to circumvent conscription while others, less fortunate, were sent to fight.
It’s a glaring mismatch of message and messenger. Trump, having availed himself of multiple deferments during the Vietnam War, is, in essence, the very subject of the song’s scorn. He infamously used “Fortunate Son” at a 2020 campaign rally, a move that prompted a cease-and-desist letter from Fogerty, who, as a military veteran, was understandably baffled by the selection. It just underscores the apparent lack of self-awareness.
This choice in music also highlights a broader concern: the superficiality with which Trump and his supporters seem to engage with complex issues. They seem to miss the irony, the subtext, and the deeper meaning of the art. The irony that a man who avoided the draft would use an anthem decrying such privilege is not lost on many. The commentary on the nature of war, political power, and socio-economic disparities, seem to be lost on this administration.
The selection of “Fortunate Son” in this context is just another example of Trump’s apparent detachment from the gravity of his actions. It’s almost as if he’s turning international conflict into a social media spectacle, with the use of a song that, at its heart, is a critique of the very world Trump inhabits. It’s a disconnect that is difficult to ignore.
The lack of understanding of the song’s message is a recurring theme. There are comparisons to other songs. In essence, the administration only hears the catchy tune, or the “wave that red, white and blue” feel, and completely misses the message the artist is trying to convey. The real meaning gets lost in the noise. The same could be said of “Born in the USA.”
It’s easy to see the situation as a manifestation of a lack of concern for the lives potentially at risk, in other words, the actions of someone who seems to view global politics as a kind of game. It suggests a focus on the image, the attention, and the financial gain rather than the substance of the situation. It all boils down to a fundamental lack of empathy.
This perception of a leader playing “Call of Duty,” is what some people find the most disturbing. It shows a disregard for the real-life consequences of his actions. It’s a reminder that this is about more than just an image. The frog in the boiling pot is a good analogy here.
Perhaps, the most striking element of the situation is Trump’s ability to be seemingly unburdened by shame. This lack of shame, is a key component of his success. The comments show that he can withstand criticism from those who would use it as a weapon.
Trump, like the “Fortunate Son” of the song, seems oblivious to his own hypocrisy. This apparent disregard for the song’s meaning, coupled with the choice of such an anthem is a testament to the complex and often perplexing nature of Trump’s political persona.