WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement regarding President Trump’s disparaging comments about our service members and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
“The President’s fundamental misunderstanding of the military and his complete disregard for our service members – calling them ‘losers’ and ‘suckers’ repeatedly – are a disgrace to our nation and prove once again that he is incapable of performing the duties of Commander-in-Chief. How can a man obsessed with himself and incapable of empathy, a man who cannot fathom the meaning of sacrifice, possibly lead a nation?
“The President claims he loves the military, because it’s part of his political strategy, but when the mics are off and the cameras are no longer rolling he has shown his true colors. He has no respect for our military; he views our service members as window dressing for his cosplay of the American presidency. Why does he refuse to stand up to Putin for putting bounties on the heads of American and coalition forces? Because he fundamentally does not care about our troops.
“It has been an honor to sit on the Armed Services Committee every year I have served in Congress. The men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting our freedoms reflect the best of our country: they are talented, diverse, and dedicated to the service of their fellow Americans. These brave patriots deserve a President who respects their service and appreciates their dedication. President Trump is obviously incapable of such respect.”
“The President’s fundamental misunderstanding of the military and his complete disregard for our service members – calling them ‘losers’ and ‘suckers’ repeatedly – are a disgrace to our nation and prove once again that he is incapable of performing the duties of Commander-in-Chief. How can a man obsessed with himself and incapable of empathy, a man who cannot fathom the meaning of sacrifice, possibly lead a nation?
“The President claims he loves the military, because it’s part of his political strategy, but when the mics are off and the cameras are no longer rolling he has shown his true colors. He has no respect for our military; he views our service members as window dressing for his cosplay of the American presidency. Why does he refuse to stand up to Putin for putting bounties on the heads of American and coalition forces? Because he fundamentally does not care about our troops.
“It has been an honor to sit on the Armed Services Committee every year I have served in Congress. The men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting our freedoms reflect the best of our country: they are talented, diverse, and dedicated to the service of their fellow Americans. These brave patriots deserve a President who respects their service and appreciates their dedication. President Trump is obviously incapable of such respect.”
###