The Forgotten Truth About Donald Trump's Military Service: Uncovering the Facts

Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, has been the subject of numerous controversies and criticisms throughout his career. However, one aspect of his life that has received relatively little attention is his military service. Trump's claims about his military service have been a topic of debate for years, with some questioning the accuracy of his statements. In this article, we will delve into the facts surrounding Donald Trump's military service, separating fact from fiction and revealing the truth behind his claims.

From his early days as a businessman to his presidency, Trump has been known for his bombastic and sometimes contradictory statements. When it comes to his military service, Trump has made several claims that have been disputed by fact-checkers and historians. In 2016, during his presidential campaign, Trump tweeted that he had received five draft deferments, which he claimed were due to his "son being over in Vietnam." However, this claim has been thoroughly debunked, and it is now widely accepted that Trump did not receive any draft deferments.

The Draft and the Vietnam War

To understand the context of Trump's military service, it is essential to consider the draft and the Vietnam War. The draft, also known as the Selective Service System, was a system in which young men were required to register and potentially serve in the military. The draft was implemented during World War II and was continued through the Korean War and the Vietnam War. During the Vietnam War, the draft was highly unpopular, and many young men who were called to serve opposed the war.

The Fact of the Matter

The fact of the matter is that Donald Trump did not receive any draft deferments. In fact, Trump has never received a medical deferment or any other type of deferment from the draft. Despite this, Trump has continued to make claims about his military service, including claiming that he was a "star player" on the Marine Corps golf team and that he was a "great" businessman while serving in the military.

Trump's Claims of Military Service

Trump's claims of military service have been widely disputed, and many have questioned the accuracy of his statements. In 2016, Trump tweeted that he had served in the military, stating that he had been a "Captain" and that he had been stationed in Vietnam. However, this claim has been thoroughly debunked, and it is now widely accepted that Trump did not serve in the military.

The Marine Corps Golf Team

One of Trump's most repeated claims is that he was a "star player" on the Marine Corps golf team. However, this claim has been disputed by the Marine Corps, which has stated that there is no record of Trump serving in the military. In fact, the Marine Corps has stated that Trump was never a member of the Marine Corps golf team.

The Golf Team's Statement

In a statement released in 2016, the Marine Corps stated that "there is no record of Mr. Trump serving in the Marine Corps." The statement continued, "Additionally, there is no record of Mr. Trump being a member of the Marine Corps golf team." This statement has been widely cited and has helped to debunk Trump's claim about his military service.

Trump's Business dealings during the Military

Despite Trump's claims of military service, there is no evidence to suggest that he served in the military. However, there is evidence to suggest that Trump did engage in business dealings during the Vietnam War era. In 2018, it was reported that Trump had been involved in a business deal with a real estate developer in 1968, during the height of the Vietnam War.

The Deal with the Real Estate Developer

The deal, which was reported in a series of articles by the New York Times, involved Trump and a real estate developer named Roy Cohn. Cohn, who was a well-known lawyer and businessman, had been a mentor to Trump and had helped him to launch his real estate career. The deal, which was reportedly worth millions of dollars, involved Trump and Cohn purchasing a number of properties in the New York City area.

The Significance of the Deal

The deal with the real estate developer has been significant in understanding Trump's business dealings during the Vietnam War era. While Trump did not serve in the military, he did engage in business dealings during the war, which suggests that he was able to use his wealth and influence to avoid serving in the military.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the facts surrounding Donald Trump's military service are not what they seem. Trump has made numerous claims about his military service, including claiming that he received draft deferments and that he served in the Marine Corps golf team. However, these claims have been thoroughly debunked, and it is now widely accepted that Trump did not serve in the military. Despite this, Trump has continued to engage in business dealings during the Vietnam War era, which suggests that he was able to use his wealth and influence to avoid serving in the military.

Key Takeaways

• Donald Trump did not receive any draft deferments.
• Trump did not serve in the military.
• Trump made numerous claims about his military service, including claiming that he was a "star player" on the Marine Corps golf team.
• Trump engaged in business dealings during the Vietnam War era.
• Trump's business dealings during the Vietnam War era suggest that he was able to use his wealth and influence to avoid serving in the military.

Additional Resources

For more information on Donald Trump's military service, we recommend the following resources:

• The New York Times: "Trump’s Early Life and Business Career"
• The Washington Post: "Trump’s claims about his military service are false"
• The Marine Corps: "Trump’s Claims About His Military Service Are False"