Donald Trump is facing criticism after making a joke during his Memorial Day speech at Arlington National Cemetery.
The president delivered the speech at the military cemetery while reflecting on its history and the thousands of service members buried there.
While speaking about Arlington’s fallen soldiers, Trump pointed out how often certain names appear among the graves.
“It cannot be by chance alone that the very first service member laid to rest here in this place of supreme sacrifice was a Union soldier by the name of Private Christman,” Trump said.
He then listed several common names found at Arlington.
“Beside him are more than 18,000 other young men named William, over 20,000 named John, over 13,000 named James – joined over time by Isaac, Elijah, Earls, Hanks, Helens, Juans, Margarets, Marius, Donalds – not too many.”
According to reports, Trump laughed after the comment which didn’t land well with everyone and caused many to point out their disapproval online.
Critics call remark inappropriate
Some social media users accused Trump of making light of a solemn occasion.
“Nothing like making those who died serving their country into a punchline for a joke.”
The moment also reignited criticism surrounding Trump’s Vietnam-era deferments.
Trump received four educational deferments during the war as well as one medical deferment related to bone spurs in his heels, which is something critics have long pointed to when questioning his comments about military service.
One social media user wrote:
“We know one Donald safely stayed at home with fake bone spurs. The others at Arlington had real wounds, real bravery, real sacrifice.”
The criticism continued:
“Among them are thousands of brave soldiers from every background and nationality, whose names aren’t props for a joke.”
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