President Donald Trump, who has never served in the U.S. armed forces, has reportedly expressed a desire to award himself the nation’s highest military honor, the Medal of Honor. This medal is officially reserved for service members who display exceptional gallantry and courage in combat, risking their lives above and beyond the call of duty. Despite having received multiple deferments during the Vietnam War and never serving in the military, Trump has publicly mused about his eligibility, even suggesting he might “test the law” to see if it’s possible. This desire comes amid a trend of Trump receiving various accolades, some of which appear to have been created specifically for him, such as a “Champion of Beautiful Clean Coal” trophy and a unique FIFA Peace Prize.
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During a White House ceremony honoring three American veterans with the Medal of Honor, President Trump was notably distracted by the building’s renovations, specifically the opulent gold curtains he had selected. Despite the solemnity of the occasion and the ongoing military casualties in Iran, the president extensively discussed his self-funded construction projects. He presented medals to a living Vietnam veteran and two posthumously, while also asserting his unwavering commitment to the Iran offensive, despite his focus frequently returning to White House aesthetics.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the 19 soldiers awarded Medals of Honor for their actions at Wounded Knee in 1890 will retain their awards. This decision follows a review ordered by Hegseth’s predecessor, Lloyd Austin, in response to congressional recommendations. The review panel concluded that the soldiers deserved the medals despite the historical context of the event, where the U.S. Army killed approximately 250 Native Americans. This decision aligns with Hegseth’s broader actions, including restoring Confederate-linked names and memorials in the military, and echoes a White House executive order that discouraged reinterpretations of American history.
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The US Department of Defense webpage honoring Medal of Honor recipient Maj. Gen. Charles Calvin Rogers was temporarily removed and its URL altered to include “DEI,” prompting public outcry. The page’s removal occurred during an automated process, according to the department. Following the controversy, the webpage was restored to its original form, with the added “DEI” removed from the URL. This incident coincided with the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the federal government.
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The US Department of Defense webpage honoring Medal of Honor recipient Maj. Gen. Charles Calvin Rogers, the highest-ranking African American to receive the award, has been removed. The URL was altered to include “DEI,” short for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, following a recent appeals court decision lifting a block on executive orders aiming to end federal DEI programs. A Google cache shows the page previously highlighted Rogers’s service and commitment to racial and gender equality. The Department of Defense has not yet commented on the removal.
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John Q. Hosedrinker