Was Trump In The Military

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During the tumultuous years of the Vietnam War, Donald Trump did not serve in the military. Instead, he successfully avoided the draft through a combination of educational deferments and a controversial medical exemption for bone spurs. This narrative has been a point of significant discussion and criticism throughout his political career.

The Draft Deferment Story

Trump received five draft deferments during the height of the Vietnam War. Four of these were student deferments obtained while he was pursuing his college education, and the fifth was a medical waiver for bone spurs. Interestingly, this medical exemption came two years after he had been previously declared available for service and had passed a physical examination.

Controversial Medical Exemption

The bone spurs deferment has been particularly controversial. Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer, testified that Trump himself admitted he wasn’t going to Vietnam, stating bluntly, “You think I’m stupid, I wasn’t going to Vietnam.” Moreover, reports suggest that the medical diagnosis might have been a convenient arrangement, with a Queens podiatrist who rented office space from Trump’s father potentially providing the exemption as a courtesy.

Context of Draft Avoidance

Trump was not alone in avoiding the draft. Historical research reveals that:

• Approximately 60 percent of draft-eligible men took some action to avoid military conscription
• Wealthy and well-connected individuals had more opportunities to secure deferments
• Common methods of draft avoidance included:
  • College enrollment
  • Medical exemptions
  • Getting married
  • Joining alternative military branches

Political Implications

Trump’s draft avoidance became a point of political criticism, particularly from military veterans. Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, a Purple Heart recipient, famously referred to Trump as “Cadet Bone Spurs”. This nickname highlighted the contrast between Trump’s draft dodging and the sacrifices made by many young men who were drafted during the Vietnam War.

🇺🇸 Note: While draft avoidance was common during the Vietnam era, it remains a sensitive topic that reflects broader social inequalities of the time.

The narrative of Trump's military draft deferment underscores a complex period in American history, where social connections and economic privilege often determined one's military service prospects. Unlike many of his predecessors who viewed military service as a patriotic duty, Trump successfully navigated the draft system, avoiding direct combat during the Vietnam War.