Special Poll
Veterans Criticize Trump as ‘Draft Dodger’ in Biden’s D-Day Campaign Ad
In a new campaign video released on the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, three veterans criticized former President Donald Trump, labeling him a “draft dodger” and asserting that he is unfit to serve as commander in chief. This video is part of President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign.
The video features Marine Corps veteran Curtis Register, Army veteran Ed McCabe, and Navy veteran Matthew McLaughlin. According to the Biden campaign, the video aims to highlight the stark contrast between Donald Trump, who has been criticized for his treatment of veterans, and President Biden, who is depicted as supportive of the military both abroad and at home.
“A good commander in chief is somebody who gives a s—,” Register said at the start of the video. McLaughlin followed, saying, “Donald Trump has zero accountability in his life.” McCabe then added, “He’s a draft dodger, simple as that.”
The campaign also emphasized past controversies surrounding Trump, including reports that he referred to American veterans buried in France as “losers” and “suckers,” and his mockery of the late Senator John McCain, a Vietnam War prisoner. Although Trump has denied making the “suckers” remark, it was later confirmed by his former chief of staff, John Kelly.
Senator Tammy Duckworth, a retired Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and a member of the Biden campaign’s national advisory board, issued a statement further condemning Trump. “From draft dodging to promising to take away veterans’ hard-earned benefits to repeating the rhetoric of dictators, it’s clear that Donald Trump doesn’t care about those who have bravely served our country. He doesn’t understand their sacrifice or the values they vowed to protect.”
Duckworth contrasted Trump’s record with President Biden’s, noting that Biden, as a military father, has worked to support troops and their families and has expanded healthcare and benefits for veterans. “The choice in this election could not be more clear; Donald Trump’s constant disrespect of our service members is in stark contrast to President Biden,” she added.
The Hill reached out to the Trump campaign for a comment on the video but did not receive an immediate response.
President Biden, who was in Normandy, France, for the D-Day anniversary, delivered remarks urging Americans to recognize the importance of international alliances, contrasting this viewpoint with Trump’s America First agenda. Biden also met with dozens of veterans, including some who participated in D-Day, referring to them as the “greatest generation” who “saved the world.”
Biden’s visit is set to conclude with a stop at the same cemetery that Trump was unable to visit in 2018 due to weather conditions.