Was Donald Trump in the military? The answer is no.
Donald Trump received student deferments during the Vietnam War due to bone spurs in his heels. He has claimed that the condition was "very painful," but medical experts have questioned the severity of his condition.
Trump's lack of military service has been a source of controversy throughout his career. Some have questioned his patriotism, while others have defended his decision to avoid the draft.
Was Trump in the Military
Introduction
- Donald Trump received student deferments and a medical deferment during the Vietnam War.
- He has claimed that he had bone spurs in his heels, but medical experts have questioned the severity of his condition.
- Trump's lack of military service has been a source of controversy throughout his career.
Facets
- Student deferments: Trump received four student deferments from the draft during the Vietnam War.
- Medical deferment: Trump received a medical deferment from the draft in 1968 after being diagnosed with bone spurs in his heels.
- Controversy: Trump's lack of military service has been a source of controversy throughout his career. Some have questioned his patriotism, while others have defended his decision to avoid the draft.
Summary
- Donald Trump did not serve in the military during the Vietnam War.
- He received student deferments and a medical deferment from the draft.
- Trump's lack of military service has been a source of controversy throughout his career.
Information Table
| Year | Deferment Type | Reason | |---|---|---| | 1964 | Student | Full-time student at Fordham University | | 1966 | Student | Full-time student at Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania | | 1968 | Student | Full-time student at New York University | | 1972 | Medical | Bone spurs in heels |
Was Trump in the Military
Donald Trump's lack of military service has been a source of controversy throughout his career. Some have questioned his patriotism, while others have defended his decision to avoid the draft. Here are five key aspects to consider when discussing Trump's military history:
- Student deferments: Trump received four student deferments from the draft during the Vietnam War.
- Medical deferment: Trump received a medical deferment from the draft in 1968 after being diagnosed with bone spurs in his heels.
- Patriotism: Some have questioned Trump's patriotism because he did not serve in the military.
- Draft avoidance: Others have defended Trump's decision to avoid the draft, arguing that he was not obligated to serve.
- Controversy: Trump's lack of military service has been a source of controversy throughout his career.
These five aspects provide a comprehensive overview of the key issues surrounding Trump's military history. They can be used to explore the various dimensions of this topic, such as the legal, ethical, and political implications of Trump's decision to avoid the draft.
Student deferments
During the Vietnam War, the United States government offered student deferments to young men who were enrolled in college. This was done in order to ensure that the country would have a well-educated workforce after the war. Trump received four student deferments during this time. He was enrolled at Fordham University, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and New York University.
Trump's student deferments allowed him to avoid being drafted into the military. This was a controversial decision, as many people believed that all young men should be required to serve their country. However, Trump has defended his decision, saying that he was not obligated to serve.
The issue of student deferments is a complex one. There are many factors to consider, such as the individual's circumstances, the needs of the country, and the importance of higher education. In the case of Trump, it is clear that his student deferments allowed him to avoid being drafted into the military. However, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they believe this was the right decision.
Medical deferment
In 1968, Trump received a medical deferment from the draft after being diagnosed with bone spurs in his heels. This deferment allowed him to avoid being drafted into the military during the Vietnam War. Trump has claimed that the bone spurs were "very painful," but medical experts have questioned the severity of his condition.
The issue of Trump's medical deferment is a complex one. Some people believe that he should have served in the military, while others believe that he was justified in receiving a deferment. There is no easy answer to this question, as it is a matter of personal opinion.
However, it is important to note that Trump's medical deferment was not unique. During the Vietnam War, many young men received medical deferments for a variety of reasons. In fact, it is estimated that over 200,000 men received medical deferments during this time.
The issue of medical deferments is still relevant today. In recent years, there has been a debate about whether or not young men with ADHD should be eligible for medical deferments. This is a complex issue with no easy answers. However, it is important to have a full understanding of the facts before forming an opinion.
Patriotism
The issue of patriotism is a complex one, and there is no easy answer to the question of whether or not Trump's decision to avoid military service makes him unpatriotic. However, it is important to consider the various factors that may have influenced his decision, as well as the broader context of the Vietnam War.
- Personal beliefs: Trump has stated that he did not believe in the Vietnam War, and that he did not want to fight in it. This is a perfectly valid reason to choose not to serve in the military, and it does not necessarily reflect a lack of patriotism.
- Family circumstances: Trump was the only child of a wealthy family, and he had no obligation to serve in the military. His father, Fred Trump, was a successful real estate developer, and he could have easily afforded to pay for Trump to attend college or to get a job that would have exempted him from the draft.
- Medical condition: Trump has claimed that he had bone spurs in his heels, and that this condition made him unfit for military service. However, some medical experts have questioned the severity of Trump's condition, and it is possible that he could have served in the military if he had wanted to.
Ultimately, the question of whether or not Trump is a patriot is a matter of personal opinion. There is no right or wrong answer, and each individual must decide for themselves what they believe.
Draft avoidance
The issue of draft avoidance is a complex one, and there is no easy answer to the question of whether or not it is justified. In the case of Trump, his decision to avoid the draft has been defended by some on the grounds that he was not obligated to serve.
There are a number of factors that may have influenced Trump's decision to avoid the draft. As mentioned previously, he has claimed that he did not believe in the Vietnam War, and that he did not want to fight in it. Additionally, he was the only child of a wealthy family, and he had no obligation to serve. Finally, he has claimed that he had bone spurs in his heels, which made him unfit for military service.
Whether or not Trump's reasons for avoiding the draft are valid is a matter of opinion. However, it is important to note that he was not the only person who avoided the draft during the Vietnam War. In fact, it is estimated that over 500,000 men avoided the draft during this time.
The issue of draft avoidance is still relevant today. In recent years, there has been a debate about whether or not young men with ADHD should be eligible for medical deferments. This is a complex issue with no easy answers. However, it is important to have a full understanding of the facts before forming an opinion.
Controversy
Donald Trump's lack of military service has been a source of controversy throughout his career. Some have questioned his patriotism, while others have defended his decision to avoid the draft. This controversy is due in part to the fact that Trump has made many statements about the military and veterans, both positive and negative.
For example, Trump has said that he likes people who weren't captured and that he prefers veterans over non-veterans. However, he has also made disparaging remarks about veterans, such as when he said that John McCain was not a war hero because he was captured. These statements have led to accusations of hypocrisy and have further fueled the controversy surrounding his lack of military service.
The controversy over Trump's lack of military service is likely to continue throughout his presidency. It is a complex issue with no easy answers. However, it is important to remember that Trump is not the first president to avoid military service. In fact, several other presidents, including George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, also avoided serving in the military.
Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they believe that Trump's lack of military service is a disqualifying factor for the presidency.
FAQs about "Was Trump in the Military"
This section addresses frequently asked questions and provides concise answers to clarify common misconceptions or concerns surrounding Donald Trump's military history.
Question 1: Did Donald Trump serve in the military?No, Donald Trump did not serve in the military. He received four student deferments and a medical deferment during the Vietnam War.
Question 2: Why did Donald Trump receive a medical deferment?Trump received a medical deferment in 1968 after being diagnosed with bone spurs in his heels. However, the severity of his condition has been questioned by medical experts.
In summary, Donald Trump did not serve in the military due to student deferments and a medical deferment. The circumstances surrounding his deferments have been the subject of scrutiny and debate.
Conclusion
Donald Trump's lack of military service has been a source of controversy throughout his career. Some have questioned his patriotism, while others have defended his decision to avoid the draft. This article has explored the various aspects of this issue, including Trump's student deferments, medical deferment, and the controversy surrounding his lack of military service.
Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they believe that Trump's lack of military service is a disqualifying factor for the presidency. However, it is important to remember that Trump is not the first president to avoid military service. In fact, several other presidents, including George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, also avoided serving in the military.
The issue of military service is a complex one, and there is no easy answer. It is important to consider the individual's circumstances, the needs of the country, and the importance of higher education. In the case of Trump, it is clear that his student deferments and medical deferment allowed him to avoid being drafted into the military. However, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they believe this was the right decision.