Veterans Are Marching Against Trump. Here's Why

## Veterans Are Marching Against Trump: Here's Why

For years, Donald Trump has cultivated an image as a champion of veterans. He's promised to fix the VA, reduce veteran suicide, and provide unwavering support to those who served. However, a growing number of veterans are actively organizing and protesting against him, claiming his actions and rhetoric betray the values they swore to uphold. This isn't a fringe movement; it's a growing chorus of voices with diverse backgrounds and deeply held convictions. So, why are these veterans marching against Trump? Let's delve into the core reasons:

1. Disrespect for Military Service and Sacrifice:

Perhaps the most stinging criticism levied against Trump stems from perceived disrespect towards those who have served and fallen. Here are some recurring points of contention:

"Suckers" and "Losers" Controversy: Reports that Trump allegedly called fallen soldiers "losers" and "suckers" during a visit to France in 2018 ignited a firestorm of outrage. While Trump vehemently denies these accusations, the lingering damage has been profound, reinforcing a perception that he doesn't truly understand the sacrifices made by military personnel.

Mocking John McCain's POW Status: Trump's repeated attacks on the late Senator John McCain, a Vietnam War veteran and prisoner of war, for being "captured" deeply offended many veterans. They viewed it as a dismissal of the sacrifices and hardship endured by POWs and a fundamental lack of respect for McCain's service.

Gold Star Families Controversy: Trump's criticism of Khizr Khan and his wife Ghazala, Gold Star parents whose son Humayun Khan, a Muslim American soldier, was killed in Iraq, sparked widespread condemnation. Many veterans felt that his comments were insensitive and disrespectful to grieving families who had lost loved ones in service to the country.

Misuse of Military as Political Props: Critics argue that Trump has frequently used the military as a backdrop for political rallies and events, potentially violating the principle of keeping the military apolitical. They believe this politicization undermines the integrity of the armed forces and exploits their image for personal gain.

2. Failure to Effectively Address Veteran Issues:

Despite promises to improve the lives of veterans, many argue that Trump's administration fell short of expectations and, in some cases, even exacerbated existing problems.

VA Reform Challenges: While some progress was made in expanding healthcare access through the VA MISSION Act, challenges persist in addressing long wait times, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and ensuring quality care in all VA facilities. Many veterans feel that the reforms haven't gone far enough.

Rising Veteran Suicide Rates: Despite repeated pledges to combat veteran suicide, the rates remain alarmingly high. Critics argue that the administration failed to adequately address the underlying causes, such as PTSD, substance abuse, and lack of access to mental healthcare.

Deportation of Veterans: The deportation of veterans, often stemming from minor offenses committed after their service, has drawn fierce condemnation from veteran advocacy groups. They argue that these individuals, who risked their lives for the country, deserve to be treated with compassion and offered pathways to citizenship.

Inadequate Support for Burn Pit Victims: The toxic exposure from burn pits during deployments has caused serious health problems for many veterans. While progress has been made in acknowledging the issue and providing healthcare benefits, advocates argue that the process is still too slow and bureaucratic.

3. Erosion of Democratic Values and Principles:

Many veterans are driven to protest by what they perceive as an erosion of the democratic values they swore to defend.

Attacks on the Media: Trump's consistent attacks on the media, labeling them as "fake news" and "enemies of the people," are seen as a threat to the freedom of the press, a cornerstone of American democracy. Veterans believe these attacks undermine the public's ability to hold the government accountable.

Questioning Election Integrity: Trump's repeated claims of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election, without providing credible evidence, are viewed as an attempt to undermine the democratic process and delegitimize the outcome. Veterans see this as a dangerous precedent that could erode faith in the electoral system.

Incitement of Violence: Critics accuse Trump of inciting violence, particularly leading up to and during the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. Veterans argue that his rhetoric directly contributed to the insurrection and violated the oath he took to uphold the Constitution.

Polarization and Division: Trump's divisive rhetoric and policies are seen as contributing to increased polarization and division within the country. Veterans believe that this undermines national unity and makes it more difficult to address critical challenges facing the nation.

4. Concerns About National Security:

Some veterans are deeply concerned about Trump's handling of national security issues and his relationships with foreign leaders.

Withdrawal from International Agreements: Trump's decision to withdraw from international agreements, such as the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris Agreement on climate change, is seen as isolating the U.S. from its allies and undermining global security efforts.

Cozying Up to Authoritarian Regimes: Critics accuse Trump of being too friendly with authoritarian leaders, such as Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, while simultaneously alienating traditional allies. Veterans believe this weakens U.S. influence and emboldens adversaries.

Disrupting Military Alliances: Trump's questioning of NATO and other military alliances is seen as undermining the collective security framework that has been crucial to maintaining global stability for decades.

The Veteran Resistance: Taking Action

These concerns have fueled the creation of numerous veteran-led organizations dedicated to resisting Trump's policies and advocating for progressive change. These groups employ various tactics, including:

Organizing Protests and Rallies: Veterans are actively participating in protests and rallies across the country, raising awareness about their concerns and demanding accountability from elected officials.

Supporting Progressive Candidates: Many veteran groups are actively supporting candidates who align with their values and are committed to addressing veteran issues.

Lobbying Congress: Veteran advocates are lobbying members of Congress to support legislation that benefits veterans and promotes democratic values.

Educating the Public: Veteran organizations are working to educate the public about the issues facing veterans and the importance of holding elected officials accountable.

Conclusion: A Complex and Evolving Landscape

The veteran community is not monolithic. While some veterans remain staunch supporters of Trump, a significant and growing number are actively opposing him. Their motivations are complex and deeply rooted in their experiences as service members. They believe that Trump's actions and rhetoric betray the values they swore to uphold and undermine the principles of democracy and national security. The veteran resistance is a powerful force that is shaping the political landscape and demanding a more just and equitable future for all Americans.

What do you think? Are these criticisms of Trump legitimate? How can we better support veterans in our communities? Share your thoughts in the comments below.